Panic has gripped three villages in South Mugirango, Kisii County, following an outbreak of an unidentified disease that has left more than 200 residents suffering from severe symptoms. The disease, detected about three weeks ago, has rapidly spread across Nyabigege, Nyamarondo, and Nyarigiro villages, leaving health officials scrambling for answers.
Those affected are experiencing intense diarrhoea, bloody stools, high fever, and severe headaches, with symptoms persisting for weeks despite seeking medical intervention. Many families report that multiple members have fallen ill, raising concerns about the disease’s transmission. Local health facilities have been overwhelmed as patients seek treatment, but the medication prescribed has shown little to no improvement. Some residents claim that despite repeated hospital visits, their condition continues to deteriorate, leaving them frustrated and fearful.
At a nearby orphanage, more than 15 children have been rushed to the hospital with similar symptoms, escalating fears that the outbreak could spread further. Several patients have also been admitted to Tabaka Mission Hospital, Nyatike Level Two Hospital, Prina Hospital, and Royal Hospital in Rongo as health authorities try to manage the crisis.
Frustration among the affected communities is growing, with residents blaming the Ministry of Health for failing to respond swiftly. They argue that authorities have neglected the situation, allowing the disease to spread unchecked. Concerns about contaminated water and poor sanitation have been raised, but without official confirmation, speculation continues to fuel uncertainty. Some fear the outbreak could be cholera, while others believe it could be linked to environmental factors or food contamination.
Amid mounting pressure, the Ministry of Health has deployed a team of medical experts to South Mugirango to investigate the outbreak and support the county government’s containment efforts. Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni confirmed the deployment, stating that experts were collecting samples from affected individuals to determine the cause of the illness. She reassured the public that the ministry had intensified surveillance and screening efforts, urging residents to remain vigilant and take precautions.
As investigations continue, health officials have advised locals to boil their drinking water and maintain high levels of hygiene to reduce the risk of further infections. A multi-agency team, working alongside the Ministry of Health, has urged those affected to seek immediate medical attention while awaiting laboratory results from the Government Chemist.
The situation remains dire, with communities anxiously awaiting answers. Until the cause of the outbreak is identified and a clear course of action is established, fear and uncertainty continue to grip the affected villages. For now, all eyes are on the health authorities to provide timely interventions and prevent further suffering.
