Health CS Susan Wafula has set up a multi-sectoral technical team to look into and investigate the recent outbreaks in Mukumu Girls and Butere Boys High Schools in Kakamega County.
The team which comprises professionals from the Ministries of Water, Environment, Education, and Health has been set up to handle the myriad of issues affecting the two schools.
The multiagency team will work in close collaboration with the county government to treat all water sources and improve sanitation facilities in both schools.
The CS on Wednesday toured the school accompanied by the Education PS Belio Kipsang, Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa and Regional Commissioner Samson Irungu Macharia.
They assessed the situation and released a report.
“The team is working round the clock to ensure the issues identified are solved promptly to ensure the two schools are reopened immediately after the Easter holidays,” Wafula said.
“The government is bound to ensure that the affected schools reopen in a safe environment, and a timely fashion.”
The ministry has linked the situation to a suspected gastroenteritis outbreak, also known as stomach flu, that has left two students from Mukumu girls dead.
Gastroenteritis also known as stomach flu is a very common condition that causes diarrhoea and vomiting and is usually caused by consuming contaminated food or water.
According to the ministry, field investigations at Mukumu Girls point to possible water contamination at the water reservoir.
Wafula said water and food samples have been collected for further testing at the government chemist and National Public Health Laboratories.
