
82 Mukumu Girls Students treated for Various Illness This Month
In a concerning turn of events, twenty-four students from Sacred Heart Mukumu Girls High School in Kakamega County were admitted to hospitals after returning to school on 8th May and complaining of feeling unwell.
The situation has left parents and school officials bewildered as they grapple with the mysterious illness that has affected a significant number of students.
According to the County Executive for Health, Dr Bernard Wesonga, two students are currently undergoing treatment at Kakamega County Referral Hospital, while the remaining twenty-two are being cared for at St Elizabeth Mission Hospital in Mukumu.
Additionally, thirty-eight students have been referred to outpatient care and are receiving treatment at the aforementioned hospitals.
These shocking developments contradict an earlier briefing by the school’s headmistress, Sister Jane Mmbone, who claimed that only three students had reported feeling unwell and were subsequently treated for malaria.
The latest report, however, reveals a much larger scale of illnesses affecting the student body.
Laboratory results from 44 of the affected students have unveiled some of the underlying conditions contributing to their ailments.
Sixteen students tested positive for malaria, a disease transmitted by mosquitoes.
Six others were found to be suffering from gastritis/PUD, which is characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the stomach lining.
Additionally, four students were diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis, a condition that causes diarrhea and vomiting, often due to a bacterial or viral infection.
The report also highlighted three cases of pneumonia, a lung infection, and two cases of sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition resulting from infection.
Furthermore, five students were diagnosed with urinary tract infections, one with anemia, and two with brucellosis, a bacterial infection commonly transmitted from animals to humans.
Two students contracted salmonellosis, an infection caused by the Salmonella bacteria, while three others suffered from tonsillitis, syncope (fainting), and leptospirosis, a bacterial infection typically spread through contact with contaminated water.
While most of the affected students are in stable condition, further laboratory tests are being conducted to determine if other pathogens are involved.
Thankfully, none of the students have exhibited signs of severe illness, such as dehydration, bloody stools or urine, jaundice, severe anemia, or persistent fever.
In response to this health crisis, the Kenya Red Cross, the Kenya Association of Counsellors, and a team from Masinde Muliro University have joined forces to provide psychosocial support to the students, teachers, and non-teaching staff at the school.
Their presence and assistance are crucial in helping the affected individuals cope with the emotional toll of the situation and provide guidance to school officials in navigating this challenging period.
As investigations continue, it is essential for the relevant health authorities to work diligently to identify the cause of the illnesses and implement appropriate measures to prevent further infections.
The well-being and safety of the students should be the top priority, and a coordinated effort between medical professionals, school authorities, and parents is vital in addressing this mysterious outbreak.
The circumstances surrounding this outbreak serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in maintaining a healthy environment and promptly addressing any signs of illness.
It is hoped that a swift resolution can be achieved, providing answers to concerned families and ensuring the students’ speedy recovery.
82 Mukumu Girls Students treated for Various Illness This Month