Wajir launches emergency response as deadly Kala-azar outbreak leaves 18 dead, over 500 other infected
The outbreak began in December last year and has rapidly spread across four sub-counties, overwhelming the county's healthcare system.
The Wajir County government has launched an emergency response plan to contain a deadly outbreak of Kala-azar, which has left at least 18 people dead and more than 500 infected over the last three months.
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The disease, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, is caused by the Leishmania parasite and is transmitted through sandfly bites. Health officials warn that the situation could deteriorate further if swift intervention is not taken.
The outbreak began in December last year and has rapidly spread across four sub-counties, overwhelming the county's healthcare system.
Wajir County Referral Hospital has been at the centre of the crisis, currently hosting 106 patients battling the infection.
Medical personnel report that while 532 cases have been recorded, most patients recover after treatment. However, delayed medical attention has led to unnecessary fatalities.
"We are dealing with an endemic disease, but this outbreak is severe. We urge residents to seek medical attention immediately to avoid further fatalities," noted Dr Mohamed Ali, a paediatrician at Wajir County Referral Hospital.
He emphasised the importance of early detection, as symptoms such as weight loss, prolonged fever, diarrhoea, fatigue, anaemia, and an enlarged spleen and liver could become life-threatening if untreated.
Faced with an escalating health crisis, the Wajir County Government has launched an emergency response to contain the outbreak.
Measures include expanding hospital capacity by setting up a new ward for incoming patients, procuring emergency medical supplies, and carrying out mass fumigation in affected areas.
Deputy Governor Ahmed Muhumed highlighted that the biggest challenge has been delayed health-seeking behaviour among residents, which has resulted in avoidable deaths.
"We have set up multiple treatment centres and deployed medical teams across the county. Our biggest challenge remains late health-seeking behaviour, which has cost lives," Ahmed pointed out.
The county is also reaching out to partners and the national government for additional support to prevent the outbreak from escalating into a full-scale health crisis.
Experts fear that if left unchecked, the disease could spread beyond Wajir and into neighbouring regions, putting more lives at risk.
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