The Ministry of Health has confirmed that the mysterious illness affecting residents of Kisii County is linked to water contamination.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni announced on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, that tests conducted on a community well in South Mugirango revealed the presence of faecal matter, which is believed to be the source of the outbreak.
She explained that those affected have exhibited symptoms such as high fever, diarrhoea, and dizziness.
In response to the disease outbreak, she also met with Kisii County Deputy Governor Elijah Obebo and County Commissioner Joseph Kibet to discuss measures to contain the situation.
“Our discussions focused on urgent measures to contain the outbreak, including the rollout of emergency response strategies, enhancement of public health infrastructure, and reinforcement of disease surveillance systems,” she stated in a statement on her X account on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
Earlier statements
The government previously indicated that the outbreak, which has left several residents experiencing severe diarrhoea, bloody stools, high fever, and intense headaches, was suspected to be waterborne.
Speaking to the press on Monday, March 3, 2025, Muthoni urged residents of South Mugirango to remain calm as authorities worked to identify the cause and implement necessary interventions.
“We have sent our surveillance officers on the ground. We are working closely with the Kisii County government to establish from the samples that we are collecting the extent to which we need to move the kind of medication that needs to be done and also what needs to be done. Our officers on the ground are collecting samples so we can establish what the disease is. We wish to ask the public to remain calm; things are under control, and we will keep you informed,” Muthoni reassured.
Calls for intervention
In an official statement dated Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka urged health authorities to expedite sample testing, deploy additional medical personnel, and enhance public awareness of hygiene and water safety.
He emphasized the importance of long-term solutions to ensure safe drinking water and called for transparency from health officials in providing regular updates.
“1 urge health authorities to fast-track the testing of collected samples to determine the exact cause of this illness so that appropriate interventions can be put in place, the Ministry of Health and Kisii County Government to deploy additional medical personnel and provide the necessary supplies to treat those affected.
“I encourage residents to take extra precautions, including boiling all drinking and cooking water to minimize the risk of infection. I also urge community health workers to step up sensitization efforts on hygiene and sanitation. I expect health authorities to provide consistent updates on the status of the outbreak and the measures being taken to contain it,” Onyonka stated.
