For weeks, the Kala-azar disease has been a menace to the residents of Wajir, with the Ministry of Health racing to eradicate it and save lives.
Kala-azar is a parasitic disease transmitted by sandflies and is fatal in over 95 percent of untreated cases.
The disease presents with prolonged fever, weight loss, fatigue, anemia, swollen lymph nodes and an enlarged spleen and liver.
Kala-azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, is characterised by irregular bouts of fever, weight loss, enlargement of the spleen and liver, and anaemia.
Most cases occur in Brazil, east Africa and India.
An estimated 50,000 to 90,000 new cases of Kala-azar occur worldwide annually, with only 25–45 percent reported to the WHO. It has outbreak and mortality potential.
Kala-azar has been described as the second deadliest parasitic disease in the world, with only malaria killing more people compared to it.
WHO describes the disease as climate-sensitive, partly because changes in temperature, rainfall and humidity can have a big impact on sandfly numbers.
Sandflies can breed and thrive in deeply cracked soil.
According to Medecins Sans Frontieres, diagnosis and treatment of the disease, especially of the variety found in eastern Africa, can be complex and painful.
WHO recommends that people suspected of suffering from visceral leishmaniasis (kala azar) should seek medical care immediately.
Diagnosis is made by combining clinical signs with parasitological or serological tests (such as rapid diagnostic tests).
So far, at least 617 cases and 25 deaths have been reported.
According to sources, 106 patients are receiving treatment at various facilities in Wajir and Marsabit counties.
Most operations are, however, being conducted at Wajir’s level 4 hospital.
On March 28, 2025, the Ministry of Health launched an emergency response to contain the Kala-azar outbreak in Wajir and Marsabit counties.
Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni flagged off three mobile laboratories equipped with molecular testing machines, diagnostic reagents and personal protective equipment.
The units will be used to support early diagnosis, active case detection and timely treatment in the most affected sub-counties.
Speaking during the flag off, Muthoni emphasised the urgency of a coordinated response.
“These mobile laboratories will play a critical role in strengthening our disease surveillance and response efforts,” she said.
“Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are key to controlling this outbreak and preventing further loss of life.”
She confirmed that the National Treasury has begun releasing emergency funds to support containment efforts, as the outbreak has persisted since September 2024.
PS Muthoni also said the government is keen to have the outbreak dealt with to arrest a spread to other regions that are prone such as Rift Valley.
Wajir county executive committee member for health Habiba Ali, had earlier on admitted to serious challenges that included a shortage of wards to cater for the rising numbers.
On March 23, Wajir County Director for Public Health Mohamed Hassan Maalim said 6,000 households were targeted in a 10-day fumigation and spraying exercise targeting sandflies to contain the disease outbreak.
“We aim to reach at least 6,000 households in this intervention. The outbreak has been worsened by recent floods, which created conditions ideal for sandflies to breed,” Maalim said.
Wajir County Director of Medical Services Hassan Abass Ahmed reported that the outbreak has infected more than 500 people since September 2024, overwhelming health facilities in Eldas, Giriftu in Wajir West, and Wajir Referral Hospital.
He stated that there were challenges in responding to the outbreak, citing strained health facilities, inadequate testing kits and the remoteness of some affected areas as key obstacles.
He added that Wajir Referral Hospital has been overwhelmed by the rising number of kala-azar patients.
“To ease the pressure, patients are now being referred to Makoror Hospital, while sub-county health facilities in Giriftu and Eldas have begun admitting cases directly,” he said.
Ahmed said additional pediatric wards have been set up at Wajir Referral Hospital to accommodate the increasing number of young patients.
However, the county faces delays in receiving test results from national government laboratories in Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kisumu, further complicating treatment efforts.
Health experts warn that if not contained, the disease could spread beyond Wajir into neighboring regions, putting more lives at risk. They stress the urgent need for early detection and treatment to curb fatalities.
