Amoebiasis Confirmed at Upper Hill School, Cholera Ruled Out
Parents of students at Upper Hill School in Nairobi, Kenya were alarmed over reports of a suspected cholera outbreak, which had hospitalized 16 students and treated and discharged 60 others.
However, health officials have now confirmed that close to 100 students who were complaining of stomach pains, diarrhea, and vomiting tested positive for Amoebiasis, a parasitic infection of the colon with the amoeba Entamoeba histolytica.
Dr. Carol Ngunu, the director of Promotive and Preventive Health Services in Nairobi County, spoke to the agitated parents who had stormed the school, stating that tests had been conducted on 20 students who were admitted at Savannah Healthcare and South B Hospital and 60 students who had been checked at Mbagathi hospital and allowed to go back to school.
She explained that 11 students were still admitted but were expected to be discharged later on Tuesday as they were in stable condition.
The school administration has ruled out closure following the incident, insisting that Ministry of Health officials were up to the task of attending to the affected students. The health officials have collected samples of water and food from the school for further testing with the results expected by the end of the week.
Dr. Ngunu added that their initial test and treatment was for amoebiasis, and they are investigating what could have been the original cause or source of the infection. She also explained that they took samples to culture for cholera, but the rapid tests turned out negative.
Reports suggest that several students began vomiting and complaining of stomach upsets after eating rice, beans, and beef on Friday. Amoebiasis spreads through drinking or eating uncooked food, such as fruit, that may have been washed in contaminated local water.
In conclusion, parents of students at Upper Hill School in Nairobi, Kenya can be reassured that the suspected cholera outbreak has been ruled out. Health officials have confirmed that close to 100 students tested positive for Amoebiasis, which spreads through drinking or eating uncooked food that may have been washed in contaminated local water.
The health officials are investigating the original cause or source of the infection, and further test results are expected by the end of the week. The school remains open, and Ministry of Health officials are attending to the affected students.
Amoebiasis Confirmed at Upper Hill School, Cholera Ruled Out
