Migori County is again in the headlines only that this time it is not because of it’s embattled governor but because of a health hazard.
Fears of an outbreak of deadly STI named Jakadala has hit the County with the County Government now moving with speed to calm down fears among locals.
Health CEC Isca Oluoch has said the locals should treat it as a rumour but at the same time appealed to the locals to avoid multiple partners and unprotected sex.
She said condoms are provided for free at public hospital facilities and therefore the residents should use it to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases.
The Jakadala outbreak claim, which has been the talk of the county for the past one week has thrown majority of the Migori county residents into a panic with many claiming the disease kills its victims within a week even though no cases of death have been reported.
The fear was fuelled by reports that about five patients are being treated for the disease. Medics have moved in to know more about the disease.
“There is a lot of talk about the disease called Jakadala, which, according to rumours, has terrible signs. Already, a surveillance team is out to ascertain facts,” Health executive Isca Oluoch said on Monday.
“What we currently know is that the disease has been named after a popular musician. What we have are rumours, but we are not taking chances.”
The surveillance team has focussed on a private hospital in Awendo subcounty where two patients reported their conditions.
“We called the administrator of the hospital and the clinical officer and they were not positive. Our team will start from there,” Oluoch said.