174 Students Hospitalized as Mysterious Illness Strikes Amabuko Secondary School in Kisii
Approximately 174 students from Amabuko Secondary School in Kisii found themselves in a health crisis on Monday, requiring immediate hospitalization due to a mysterious illness suspected to be food poisoning.
According to an informed source, the ordeal began in the early hours of Monday, leading to concerns about the quality of food provided to the students.
The affected students experienced severe abdominal pains and diarrhea, prompting a swift transportation to Keroka Sub-County Hospital, Ichuni Mission Hospital, and Gucha Hospital.
Rigoma Ward MCA Nyambega Gisesa issued a statement commending the prompt response, particularly given the recent incident in Vihiga.
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He acknowledged that the suspected issue may be linked to contaminated water and food poisoning at Amabuko Secondary School.
Medical staff at Keroka Hospital were offering their services to the affected students, equipped with ample medical supplies and a well-trained workforce to address the emergency.
Local residents, who rushed to the school to assist with evacuations, suspect that the illness may have resulted from a meal of beans and vegetables consumed by the students on Sunday night.
This incident raises concerns about the living conditions in boarding schools, especially as student populations increase while investments in essential infrastructure like classrooms and dormitories remain inadequate.
Many institutions struggle with sanitation challenges and issues related to access to clean water. Furthermore, the rising cost of living is placing added pressure on school administrations due to financial constraints.
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Earlier in the year, St. Theresa’s Eregi Girls High School had to send its students home due to an outbreak of an unidentified disease.
They sent blood samples from the affected students to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) for further analysis.
At Mukumu Girls, a severe diarrheal outbreak resulted in the tragic loss of four lives, including three students and a teacher, leading to the temporary closure of the school.
In response to these incidents, Education CS Ezekiel Machogu mandated the establishment of safety sub-committees in all institutions to ensure that students adhere to proper sanitation practices at all times.
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174 Students Hospitalized as Mysterious Illness Strikes Amabuko Secondary School in Kisii
