An unknown disease that appears like measles has affected children in Loiyangalani Laisamis Constituency has raised health concerns in the area. Photo: Turkana News Online.
Residents of Loiyangalani area in Laisamis Constituency in Marsabit County, have been urged to take their children to hospital for check-ups following a new disease affecting children spreads in the area.
Yusuf Galmogle, a medical officer in Laisamis has urged parents to take their babies to the hospital immediately the notice unusual signs, for further diagnosis by health officers.
His remarks come after several children in the area have been captured on viral photos with big, reddish rashes like on the face, neck, shoulders, and some on their hands, which residents described as a rare form of measles.
He further confirmed that medical officers have visited the affected area to collect samples for investigation by government’s research institute Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), to understand the new disease and its cause, raising concerns over the health of the children.
“My call is parents in Loiyangalani to take their babies to the hospital for check ups in the nearest health facility, once they notice any unusual changes and symptoms on the in babies, as we take samples to KEMRI in Nairobi for further analysis,” Galmogle urged.
However, he expressed his fears of the process being halt by the recent witnessed in insecurity, following unspontaneous attacks that led to the death of four people in the area.
“Currently we are in the area collecting samples for research by KEMRI, for analysis and correct report on the cause of the illness. We want to get the sample from the children whose photo were sent online, and those showing those symptoms for accuracy, before collecting other samples. But the process is at threat following recent unrest in the area,” Galmogle confirmed.
The health crisis in Marsabit in the recent days seemingly in a devasting state, following increased complains by residents on difficulty in accessing healthcare services in their area, forced to rely on services issued by Community Health Providers (CHPs).
The spread of the unknown diseases comes a day in the constituency, after reports in the area confirmed an increase by 10% in Diabetes Type 1 among children in Laisamis and North Horr Constituencies, with over 300 children visiting the diabetic clinic.
