Marsabit: 4 dead, 21 hospitalised following Kala-azar disease outbreak

Marsabit: 4 dead, 21 hospitalised following Kala-azar disease outbreak

Four people are feared dead and 21 others admitted in hospital following an outbreak of Kala-azar disease in Marsabit County.

Confirming the outbreak, County Executive Committee (CEC) for Health Dr. Jama Wolde said that among the deceased were three minors and an elderly person who had been receiving treatment at the Marsabit County referral hospital.

Kala-azar, also known as Leishmaniasis, is mainly characterized by irregular bouts of fever, substantial weight loss, swelling of spleen and liver, and anemia.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), if the disease is not treated, the fatality rate in developing countries can be as high as 100% within two years.

Dr. Jama also said that since the outbreak, 44 people from Laisamis Sub-County Hospital had been confirmed to have been infected after tests returned positive.

He said that the disease had largely affected the Log logo, Korr and Laisamis regions. This comes after Laisamis Member of Parliament, Musa Arbelle confirmed that the residents were suffering and called for intervention of the national government.

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