A red flag has been raised over the possible outbreak of Hepatitis B in Embomos, Konoin, Bomet County.
Reports indicate that one person has died, with several others getting infected with a disease suspected to be Hepatitis B in Kipsinjei village of Talal Location.
Residents have expressed fear the disease could spread further, appealing for the urgent intervention by both levels of government.
“Many people have been affected by this disease. Already one person has died and many others are in hospital. Patients were complaining of fever, severe headache and pain in the abdomen,” said Elijah Kirui, a resident.
Speaking at the county assembly, Area MCA Japhet Kipkirui sought to know if the Health Department was aware of the outbreak and containment measures put in place.
Kipkirui warned against delays in tacking the highly contagious disease, adding that the health of residents should be given priority.
“I would like to know if the Department of Health is aware of the outbreak of Hepatitis B in Kipsinjei Village Talal Location which has so far claimed one life with several others having contracted the disease. And if So Mr speaker, what are the immediate measures taken by the Department of Health to contain the spread of Hepatitis B in the area since it’s a contagious disease,” stated Kipkirui.
However, the county assembly Health committee chair Stephen Changmorik was absent and Speaker Cosmas Korir directed the committee to seek a statement from the Health Executive Member within 7 days.
“I don’t know whether the chair Health is around. Though it is urgent, I think seven days should be enough. Kindly get a statement from the CEC in charge of health,” Speaker Korir directed.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. It is most commonly transmitted from mother to child during birth and delivery, in early childhood, as well as through contact with blood or other body fluids, unsafe injections or exposures to sharp instruments.
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