The County government of Marsabit has enhanced the fight against the Kala-azar disease in Laisamis sub-county.
The County CEC for Health, Dr. Jamah Wolde said an intense vector spray against the sand fly has started in Loglogo and Laisamis locations which are the worst affected by the disease.
Dr. Wolde told KNA that the spray against the vector targets 200 houses in the two areas where new cases have emerged this week.
The CEC said 40 hot spots have been identified and the county government aims to distribute 500 treated mosquito nets to help the poor locals protect themselves against the sand fly.
He added that the devolved unit was getting overwhelmed having spent more than Sh 40 million in attending to over 200 cases since the outbreak was reported a month ago.
“A single dose for Kala-azar costs about Sh. 200,000 and we are also engaged in sensitization campaigns and issuance of treated mosquito nets” he said.
The CEC expressed concern that still there were 27 admission cases, 20 at Laisamis level 4 hospital and 7 at Marsabit county referral hospital despite relentless efforts to bring the situation under control.
Dr. Wolde appealed to the national government through the ministry of health, donors and other stakeholders in the health sector to chip in and assist in containing the disease which has so far claimed four lives.
He also thanked the Kenya Red Cross and Concern World Wide for availing vehicles to assist in transport logistics.
By Sebastian Miriti
