Wajir County in northeastern Kenya is grappling with a severe outbreak of Kala-azar, a deadly parasitic disease also known as visceral leishmaniasis. Over the past three months, the outbreak has claimed 18 lives and infected more than 500 people, overwhelming local health services. The disease has spread across four sub-counties, prompting the county government to launch an emergency response plan to contain its spread and prevent a full-scale health crisis.
Kala-azar, caused by the Leishmania parasite, is transmitted through the bites of infected sandflies. It primarily affects the Rift Valley, Eastern, and Northeastern regions of Kenya, where it is considered a neglected tropical disease. If left untreated, the disease has a fatality rate of over 95%, making early detection and treatment critical. Symptoms include prolonged fever, weight loss, fatigue, anemia, darkening of the skin, swollen lymph nodes, and enlargement of the spleen and liver.
The outbreak, which began in December 2023, has placed immense strain on Wajir’s healthcare system. Currently, 106 patients are hospitalized, and medical personnel are struggling to manage the rising number of cases. Deputy Governor Ahmed Muhumed outlined several containment measures, including expanding hospital capacity by setting up a new ward, procuring emergency medical supplies, and conducting mass fumigation in affected areas to control the sandfly population.
Health officials are urging residents to report symptoms early to prevent further spread. Delayed treatment not only increases the risk of death but also complicates efforts to control the outbreak. The county government has called on national authorities and international partners to support its efforts, emphasizing the need for additional resources and expertise to combat the disease effectively.
Kala-azar remains a significant public health challenge in Kenya, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. In 2022, eastern Africa accounted for 73% of global cases, with half occurring in children under 15. The current outbreak in Wajir highlights the urgent need for sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure, disease surveillance, and public awareness campaigns to tackle this neglected tropical disease and protect vulnerable communities.
