Nine people have been confirmed dead after an unknown disease broke out in Kargi location, Marsabit county.
According to police who confirmed the incident, most deaths occurred in grazing areas. Out of the nine that died, six were adults and three were children aged between one and three.
80 others are currently receiving treatment after they got seriously ill.
Health officials who noted that malaria was prevalent in the region noted that they suspect that the disease may be a severe form of malaria with the patients depicting malaria-like symptoms.
“We have lost nine people so far and at least 80 others are bedridden in the villages in connection to a mysterious disease outbreak. I appeal for an urgent intervention by all stakeholders before we lose the entire population,” Kargi Senior Chief Moses Galoro said.
Led by the Marsabit County Health Department, the officials noted that they had dispatched a team of disease surveillance experts and laboratory technologists to probe the cause of the disease.
They further urged residents to maintain hygiene and avoid contact with sick people.
“We encourage residents to take preventative measures such as washing their hands frequently with soap and water, avoiding contact with sick people and seeking medical attention if they experience any symptoms,” officials said.
