Busia County Officials Alert Residents to the Dangers of Neglected Tropical Diseases

BUSIA – In an effort to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Busia County, local health officials are urging residents to seek prompt medical attention in public health facilities following dog bites or encounters with stray animals. During a Technical Working Group forum held at the Busia County Referral Hospital on Wednesday, Charles Omeny, the Busia Sub-County NTD Coordinator, emphasized the underreporting of dog bite incidents and the risks associated with home-based treatment or the use of painkillers from private clinics.

According to Kenya News Agency, public hospitals are equipped with professionals who can administer anti-tetanus and anti-rabies injections, essential in preventing the progression of these diseases. He highlighted the critical nature of seeking immediate treatment to prevent fatalities, especially in cases of rabies, where symptoms’ appearance signifies an irreversible state.

The forum also addressed the challenge of jigger infestation, a prevalent issue in regions such as Butula, Teso South, Nambale, and Matayos, where stigma deters affected individuals from seeking help. Omeny announced plans for a mass treatment exercise and encouraged those affected by jiggers to register for assistance, which includes treatment and disinfection of living environments. Additionally, he urged victims of snake bites to utilize public health facilities for their treatment needs.

Mary Aseyong, the Busia County Coordinator for Tuberculosis and Leprosy, reported an increase in leprosy cases within the county, noting a concerning trend in the annual registration of new cases. The Alupe Leprosy Centre, which serves as a referral center for the entire East African Region, has observed fluctuating numbers of leprosy patients over recent years, with a notable increase in 2021 and 2022 before a slight decline in the following year. Aseyong stressed the importance of early diagnosis to prevent permanent deformities and highlighted the ongoing transmission within the community, including among children.

The forum concluded with a commitment from stakeholders across relevant departments to devise strategies to curb the spread of NTDs in Busia County, underlining the importance of community engagement and the accessibility of public health services in addressing these diseases.