Surveillance has been scaled up in Embomos, Konoin sub county, Bomet County after a 29 year old man died from Hepatitis B in the area.

The deceased was rushed to the AGC Tenwek Hospital after experiencing severe headache and breathing problems where he died while undergoing treatment.

County Health Executive Joseph Sitonik noted that screening has been commenced on people who came into contact with the deceased.

“We have sent out our teams to carry out surveillance and testing in the affected area where one person succumbed,” said he said.

Sitonik said there was no cause for fear, further assuring that elaborate containment measures have been put in place.

“We have so far tested members of the family of the deceased but they all tested negative for the disease. The death an isolated case and therefore was no cause for alarm in the area, “added Sitonik.

Area MCA Japheth Cheruiyot expressed fear the disease could spread further, stating that many residents have not been screened despite exhibiting symptoms of Hepatitis B.

“Many people here have not been screened despite exhibiting symptoms akin Hepatitis B and this can make the disease spread further. We therefore ask the relevant ministry to act swiftly to prevent this,” said Cheruiyot.

The disease can be spread through contact with infected body fluids and can also be passed from a mother to her baby.

Hepatitis B, which is an infection of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B virus, can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine, which is usually given soon after birth with boosters a few weeks later.

The disease, whose infection can be acute (short and severe) or chronic (long-term) also puts people at a high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B include yellowing of the eyes, abdominal pain and dark urine but some people, particularly children, don’t experience any symptoms according to medical experts.