In 2018, a photo of an alleged outbreak of a deadly STI was circulated in parts of Kenya, but it was later revealed the STI did not exist.
The news of the fake STI, which had allegedly hit the villages of Nyarombo gold mines, Komito mines in Rongo sub-county, Suna and Nyatike, was covered by the media and was denied by health officials.
The reaction from social media made the county government of Migori to launch an investigation on the matter and tell the public the truth about the alleged outbreak.
Migori county executive in charge of Health Dr. Isca Olouch confirmed they are not able to substantiate the Sexually Transmitted Disease dubbed Jakadala by locals that has caused panic in the area.
According to Dr. Olouch the county diseases surveillance team that had been on the ground for the past one week since the Jakadala outbreak claim started had not been able to come up with substantial information to inform the existence of the disease.
The Health CEC 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.
It was later revealed that the photo was actually of George Otieno’s penile cancer.