Wajir, Kenya| In response to a surge in visceral leishmaniasis (Kala-Azar) cases, the Wajir County Government, through its Department of Health, has initiated a 10-day fumigation and spraying exercise across Eldas and Wajir West sub-counties.
The campaign aims to curb the spread of the disease by eliminating sandflies, the primary vectors responsible for its transmission.
The ongoing exercise, spearheaded by trained public health officers, is part of a broader intervention strategy to mitigate the impact of Kala-Azar in the region.
The initiative is focused on targeting human dwellings and high-risk areas where sandflies breed, thereby reducing the chances of further infections.
In addition to fumigation, the county has deployed a team of public health officers to conduct risk communication and community engagement sessions.
These sessions aim to educate residents about Kala-Azar, its symptoms, modes of transmission, incubation period, and effective prevention methods. The public is being urged to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their families from the disease.
Speaking on the initiative, Wajir County’s Director of Public Health, Mr. Mohamed Hassan Maalim, emphasized the scale and urgency of the intervention.
“We aim to reach 6,000 households in the ongoing fumigation exercise. The outbreak follows recent floods that have led to widespread vegetation growth and large cracks in the ground—ideal breeding grounds for the sandflies responsible for transmitting the disease,” he stated.
Maalim further encouraged the community to remain vigilant, seek medical attention promptly if they exhibit symptoms, and cooperate fully with health officials conducting the fumigation exercise.
“We urge our community members to adopt preventive measures, such as minimizing exposure to sandfly bites and maintaining proper sanitation. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing the disease effectively,” he added.
Kala-Azar, a parasitic disease transmitted through the bites of infected sandflies, can be fatal if left untreated.
Symptoms include prolonged fever, weight loss, enlargement of the spleen and liver, and anemia.
The disease is endemic in arid and semi-arid regions, making Wajir County particularly vulnerable to periodic outbreaks.
The Wajir County Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that the necessary resources are allocated to combat the disease.
Residents are urged to support the initiative by allowing health officials access to their homes for fumigation and adhering to recommended preventive measures.
The fumigation exercise marks a crucial step in controlling the current Kala-Azar outbreak, with authorities closely monitoring its progress and impact.
As the county intensifies its fight against the disease, continued community cooperation and awareness will be essential in achieving long-term health security for the region.
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