Four victims of Kala-zar succumb to the disease

The department of health has confirmed that four people have succumbed to kala-zar in Marsabit County.
County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Health Dr.Jamma Wolde said among the dead were three children and an elderly man who passed away as they underwent treatment at the Marsabit County referral hospital.
Dr.Wolde said the victims whose age could not immediately be established were residents of Laisamis Sub-county.
The CEC confirmed that the children died on Tuesday while the man was pronounced dead on Wednesday night at the hospital despite efforts to save their lives.
Dr.Wolde said drugs have been procured from Baringo County and Demark to help in combating the outbreak which has since March left 44 people hospitalized at the referral hospital and Laisamis Level 4 hospital.
He cited Loglogo, Korr and Laisamis locations in Laisamis constituency as areas most affected by the deadly disease which is caused by the female sand fly, phlebotomine.
The CEC added that seven cases have since been treated and discharged while another seven were due for discharge.
Dr. Wolde regretted that the lives were lost despite concerted efforts to contain the situation.
“We are saddened to confirm that we have lost four lives, three being children and one an elderly man to Kala azar” DrWolde told the press in his office.
CEC Wolde explained that vulnerable groups like the hungry, malnourished children and the elderly are susceptible to the disease due to their low immunity.
Managing kala-zar is an uphill task as a complete treatment dose costs Sh 200, 000.
Dr. Wolde also confirmed that repellants have been distributed to residents in the affected areas adding that spraying and public sensitization campaigns is on-going.
“I am appealing to health partners to join hands in stopping further spread of the disease” the CEC appealed.
By Sebastian Miriti