This archive report was first published on 3 October 2019.
On October 3, 2019, Starehe Girls Centre in Nairobi was closed indefinitely following an outbreak of a common flu.
52 students were quarantined after they started coughing, sneezing, and experiencing fever, sparking panic at the prestigious school.
"The Starehe Girls Centre Community confirms that there has been an increasing number of cases presenting with an unknown cause of high-pitched cough, sneezing and low-grade fever amongst some of the students," read a statement issued by the school on Monday.
Following a crisis meeting between education ministry officials and the school management, Forms 1, 2, and 3 students were sent home for four days to recuperate.
Victoria Miguda, the school's communication manager, stated that the decision to allow the girls to go home was taken in consultation with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health officials, as well as the school's Board of Management.
"This is to accelerate their individual recuperation from what's has been established to be a common flu," Miguda said.
She added that the decision was also taken into consideration of the form four candidates preparing for the national examination.
Affected form four candidates will continue receiving treatment in the school.
Samples had been taken to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) for analysis.
