Kargi Location Senior Chief, Moses Galoro, has called for urgent virology tests and mass screening of residents after three children among nine people died following the outbreak of an unknown disease in the area located in Marsabit County.
The disease was first reported about two weeks ago with the most affected people exhibiting flu-like symptoms, yellow eyes and severe headaches.
Over 80 people are currently ill and bedridden in the villages where preliminary tests indicate the possibility of violet malaria. There are more cases of residents nursing their illnesses at home due to shortage of drugs and rapid test kits at the local health centre.
Marawato Mifo, a mother of four narrated how one of her children died after an ambulance that was called from Marsabit town was unable to reach the Kargi shopping centre.
Local residents have associated this incident with the poor infrastructure in the area besides the ongoing rains.
Officials have encouraged residents to take preventative measures such as washing their hands frequently with soap and running water, avoiding contact with sick people and seeking medical attention if they experience any symptoms.
By Thuita Jaswant
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