Uasin Gishu grapples with new malaria cases in Kapseret

At least 60 new malaria infections have been reported in Kapseret Constituency in Uasin Gishu County over the last one week despite assurances from the Ministry of Health that it was in control of the situation.

County health administrator Alexander Korir said the rise in number of malaria cases had forced them to send a health workers to curb its spread. 

“We have suspended some of the activities in public hospitals in the county, mostly those not related to malaria prevention, so that we get enough human resource to tackle this upsurge,” said Dr Korir.

The ministry and the county had focused on Turbo Constituency where more than 100 malaria cases were reported in the last one month. 

Last week, new infections were recorded in Kapseret, especially in Kaptelndon Ward. “So far we have sprayed more than 250 households with the internal residue spray.

“We have also distributed enough anti-malaria drugs and test kits to various health centres in Kapseret. The disease is under control now,” said Dr Korir.

Malaria cases are expected to rise in April, May and June due to the long-rains season.

In Turbo Sub-County, new cases have dropped according to the county administrator.

“So far, the county government of Uasin Gishu has taken necessary prevention measures to ensure that less people are affected by malaria and we are monitoring the issue closely so that we can tame it at its early stage,” said Dr Evans Kiprotich, Director of Health in Uasin Gishu County.

Members of the public have been urged to seek prompt treatment if they suspect to be having Malaria. The county has also asked them use mosquito nets, drain stagnant water and clear bushes around their homes.

“The latest data carried out in the county shows that only 56 per cent of the population in the county use mosquito nets which is sad as we distributed 625, 000 mosquito nets in 2015, and the life span of a mosquito net is five years,” added Dr Korir.