Wajir County Expands Efforts to Contain Kala-Azar Outbreak with Intensified Fumigation Drive
Wajir County has escalated its fight against the kala-azar outbreak by launching an intensified fumigation and spraying campaign across the hardest-hit areas in Eldas and Wajir West. The exercise, which began this week, aims to curb the spread of the deadly disease that has so far resulted in nine deaths and over 500 infections since September last year.
The county’s health department has identified 6,000 households as priority areas for fumigation in a bid to eliminate sandflies, the primary vectors of the disease. Officials say the recent floods have exacerbated the situation, creating ideal breeding conditions for the sandflies.
“Our goal is to reach at least 6,000 households with this intervention to mitigate further transmission. The outbreak remains a serious public health concern, and urgent action is needed to contain it,” stated Mohamed Hassan Maalim, the County Director for Public Health.
Apart from fumigation, the health team is conducting awareness campaigns to educate residents on the symptoms, transmission, and preventive measures against kala-azar. Health authorities have urged residents to seek medical attention promptly if they exhibit signs of the disease.
Ahmed Guhad, the County Chief Officer for Medical Services, confirmed that all nine reported fatalities were children under five years old. He noted that the most affected areas include Eldas, Wajir West, and Wajir East, where health facilities are struggling to cope with the rising number of cases.
Speaking at Wajir Referral Hospital, Hassan Abass Ahmed, the County Director of Medical Services, acknowledged the strain on healthcare facilities, stating that additional pediatric wards have been set up to accommodate the growing number of young patients. To manage the influx, some cases are being referred to Makoror Hospital, while health centers in Giriftu and Eldas have also started admitting patients directly.
Despite these efforts, the county continues to face logistical challenges, including inadequate testing kits and delayed test results from national government laboratories in Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kisumu, hampering timely treatment.
Kala-azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, is caused by the Leishmania parasite and transmitted through sandfly bites. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal. Common symptoms include prolonged fever, weight loss, anemia, fatigue, diarrhea, and swelling of the spleen and liver.
Health experts are calling on residents to remain vigilant, follow preventive measures, and cooperate with health officials to prevent further spread of the disease.
