www.Kisii.Com: Syndicated news from only reputable sources [Nation, and Standard Newspapers, Kenya Times, KBC, etc.]

Malaria Outbreak Kills 14 People

Details

Published on Monday, 02 July 2007 05:00

Fourteen people have died following malaria outbreaks in various parts of the country. Yesterday, the Government confirmed that 11 people, all children aged below 12, had died in Kisii District since last January 1. In the neighbouring Gucha District, a similar outbreak has claimed two lives. The district Medical Officer of Health Dr Evans Mokaya said another 422 people had been diagnosed with the disease.

Kisii MoH Dr Eric Abunga and medical superintendent Dr Wycliffe Mogoa said an upsurge in malarial fever had led to patient congestion in the district hospital's wards. The patients are already sharing beds, with the children's ward being the worst hit, where an average of three are sharing a single bed. But Abunga and Mogoa expressed optimism that the crisis would subside following an increase in anti-malaria campaigns. The outbreak occurred at the beginning of the year due to the onset of heavy rains last October and November.

Mokaya said medical personnel at the Gucha District Hospital were working round the clock to contain the situation. He urged the residents to seek early treatment as soon as they detected malaria symptoms. Another outbreak has hit Kilifi District, leading to patient congestion at the government hospital. MoH Dr Philip Masaulo said patients were sharing beds while others were sleeping on the floor.