By John Mugendi
Kala-azar outbreak in Tharaka North has badly exposed the rotting state of the Health sector in Tharaka Nithi County.
Out of 33 people who have so far been diagnosed with the infectious disease caused by leishmania parasites, five have died and the rest are fighting for their lives in hospitals in the neighbouring Embu, Meru, Isiolo and Kitui counties.
The poor patients from the semi-arid parts of Kathangacini, Kamaguna, Twanthanju and Gatunga are being forced to travel kilometers away to seek treatment that cannot be found in their county.
Unfortunately, the seriously ill patients are being turned away by some counties compelling them to wait desperately for their fate at home.
A report from the devolved government’s department of public health seen by The Press Point indicates that only six patients have so far been successfully treated in Tseikuru Hospital in Kitui County.
The report also states that the situation is worsening because some of the locals are associating the deadly disease with witchcraft and curse.
Among the 33 positive cases, 26 are males and seven females with the oldest being 59 years and the youngest seven years.
However, the report shows that with the help of the Ministry of Health’s Department of Neglected Tropical Disease Unit, the county government is establishing a treatment centre.
The public health officials are also searching in the villages to ensure that all the infected are treated and the parasites’ hideouts including anti-hills destroyed.
According to preliminary investigations, most of the victims are those who spend the nights outside chasing elephants from their farms near Ura River that borders the villages with Meru National Park.
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), the Kala-azar is transmitted through the infective bite of the phlebotomine sandflies and at least 95 percent of the victims die if not treated.
Some of the disease’s symptoms are; enlargement of the spleen, dry skin, fever, progressive weight loss and body weakness.
Residents suspect that the sandflies could have been brought by herders from the neighbouring Garissa County who frequent the areas with thousands of livestock while looking for pastures.
