The County government of Nyeri will be taking an audit of the prevalence of both rheumatic heart and rheumatoid fever diseases in children below 18 years of age.
The County’s Health department has partnered with Mater Misericordiae Hospital to conduct a free screening exercise on Saturday.
According to a dispatch from the County’s Executive Secretary for Health Services, Dr. Rachel Kamau, the screening process will specifically target primary school pupils and will be held at Mathari Primary School starting at 8.00pm.
The Rheumatic heart disease is a complication of rheumatic fever in which the heart valves are damaged. Rheumatic fever on the other hand is an inflammatory disease that begins with strep, also referred to as sore or scratchy throat.
The two ailments can strike people of all ages although children below 5 and 15 years are more susceptible.
Symptoms included developing very painful, swollen and red joints mainly around the knee, ankle, elbow or shoulder. Short-lived skin rashes may also feature while treatment mainly focusses on a regiment of antibiotics.
Dr. Kamau is now appealing to parents and guardians to avail their children for screening.
And although she was not explicit on the next cause of action after establishing the prevalence of the two diseases, it’s widely expected that the county government will undertake to treat those found to be compromised.
By Kiamah Wamutitu
