Government Discloses Two Disease Outbreaks at Mukumu Girls
On April 5, the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) reported that students at Mukumu Girls’ High School in Kakamega County were infected with both gastroenteritis and amoeba.
Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha disclosed that a large number of students contracted the infection and were hospitalized.
The majority of students reported severe stomach upsets and abdominal pain.
She stated that there were a total of 108 cases of gastroenteritis, a stomach disease, which had resulted in two deaths. She added that a majority of the cases were managed as outpatients, with 40 being admitted.
Nakhumicha disclosed that a student who was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Kakamega Referral Hospital improved and was transferred to the general ward.
She nonetheless announced a review of school food handling guidelines. To ensure that they meet the necessary standards, all public schools will be inspected.
“We will be working with the county governments to assess facilities on how they handle food and verify that the cooks are certified by the Ministry of Health,” the CS pointed out.
The tables used in dining halls must be made of steel or a material that is simple to clean, such as formica, according to the guidelines.
Nakhumicha urged school principals to ensure high sanitation standards in the kitchen and dining area, reiterating that it was their responsibility and not the government’s.
On April 5, the Health Director, accompanied by the Education Principal Secretary (PS), Belio Kipsang, toured the school and identified five potential disease outbreak entry points.
Fridah Ndolo, the school’s principal, revealed that the institution obtained its water from a stream and stored it in an overhead tank.
However, the team raised concerns regarding the faulty water filter, the efficacy of the chlorination process, and the frequency of tank cleanings.
The delegation also visited Butere Boys High School, which was also closed indefinitely due to a similar outbreak.
Government Discloses Two Disease Outbreaks at Mukumu Girls
