This archive report was first published on 11 July 2019.
On Thursday, a hepatitis A outbreak at Moi High School Mbiruri in Embu County left 10 students hospitalized.
According to Dr. George Kimani, the medical superintendent at Tenri Private Hospital, the students were rushed to the hospital after complaining of stomach pains and general body weakness.
When the hospital was visited, nurses were busy attending to the students who had been put on drips.
Dr. Kimani confirmed that the students were diagnosed with hepatitis A, which is caused by consuming contaminated food or water.
As news of the outbreak spread, shocked parents flocked to the hospital for updates on their children.
"I was at home in Manyatta when I was informed that my grandson had been admitted. I immediately travelled to the hospital to see him. I'm a happy he is talking," said Mr. James Kinuthia, a relieved parent.
Dr. Kimani assured that the students were stable and responding well to treatment, saying, "The disease is being managed. It will clear without complications. The boys are out of danger... there is no cause for alarm."
County Health Chief officer, Grace Muriithi, said that she held a meeting with Health executive Dr. Joan Mwende and established that the situation was under control.
"We are taking the matter seriously. Public health officials were dispatched to the institution," she said.
County Director of Education James Kariuki said that education officers were sent to the school for an assessment.
County Assembly Health committee chair Muturi Mwombo advised the school administration to ensure cleanliness to prevent such cases.
"Children are supposed to live in hygienic environments so they [do not contract] contagious diseases," he said.
