In a concerning turn of events, over 60 students from Eregi Girls High School in Kakamega County have been hospitalized due to an unknown illness.
The outbreak has left 30 students seeking medical care at Kakamega Level Five Hospital, 20 at Shibwe Hospital, and 10 at Iguhu Hospital.
The students have exhibited similar symptoms, struggling with walking, a development that has raised alarm among both school authorities and parents.
Disturbingly, more students are being swiftly transported to various health facilities across the county, indicating the severity and rapid spread of the illness.
Initial laboratory tests conducted at the Ihugu Hospital revealed that the students had elevated electrolytes, indicating that they had lost fluids.
Electrolytes are crucial for maintaining electrical neutrality in human body cells and for generating and conducting action potentials in the nerves and muscles.
The loss of electrolytes can occur due to prolonged or severe diarrhoea and sweating.
This condition underscores the seriousness of the situation and highlights the urgent need for medical intervention.
Meanwhile, at Kakamega General Hospital, more students are being admitted, but laboratory work had not yet been conducted at the time of reporting.
Samples have been taken from the students and sent to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) for examinations.
In response to this health crisis, medical professionals from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) are set to visit the school on Tuesday.
Their assessment is pivotal in determining the nature of the illness and formulating an appropriate course of action to contain the outbreak and ensure the safety and well-being of the students.
The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the community, leaving parents and guardians deeply concerned about the health of their children.
As medical experts investigate the root cause of the illness, authorities are urging parents to remain calm while assuring them that every possible measure is being taken to address the situation effectively.
