Marsabit County Faces Red Eye Disease Outbreak

MARSABIT, Kenya — A red eye disease outbreak has been reported in Marsabit County, prompting local health officials to call for heightened hygiene practices among residents.

According to Kenya News Agency, Ms. Grace Galmo, during a press briefing on Tuesday, the Marsabit County Referral Hospital has confirmed 10 cases of viral conjunctivitis, commonly known as red eye disease. The patients, who presented symptoms such as eye itching, swelling, sensitivity to light, and redness, received treatment at the hospital’s eye unit and were subsequently discharged.

The spread of the disease, initially diagnosed in the coastal region of Kenya, has raised concerns within the county’s health sector. Ms. Galmo emphasized the importance of rigorous hygiene measures, including regular handwashing with soap and water and avoiding touching the eyes and face, to prevent further transmission. “I am urging the residents to embrace very strict cleanliness standards,” she advised, highlighting the critical role of personal hygiene in curbing the outbreak.

Dr. Ali Boru, the County Director of Health, reassured the public that measures to contain the disease’s spread are in place and urged anyone experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention promptly. “We appeal to the public to remain calm, follow preventive measures, and report any suspected cases to the relevant authorities,” Dr. Boru stated, aiming to mitigate panic and ensure community health and safety.

This health alert follows closely on the heels of another outbreak in Marsabit County, where four cases of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) were confirmed out of 43 samples analyzed by the Kenya Medical Research Institute. In addition to RVF, the county has also seen an upsurge in malaria cases, both of which are being linked to the conducive conditions created by the recent El Nino rains for vector multiplication.

The Department of Health Services in Marsabit continues to monitor these health concerns closely, implementing necessary interventions to safeguard the well-being of its residents amidst these concurrent outbreaks.