Towards the end of January 2025, Health officials in Tiaty, Baringo county raised concerns over the rising cases of Kala-azar.
This is despite an ongoing campaign to deal with the neglected tropical disease.
The disease is caused by a parasite, spread to humans through the bite of infected female sand flies.
It attacks the immune system and is almost always fatal if not treated on time.
Kala-azar is also known as visceral leishmaniasis.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) the disease is characterized 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% reported to WHO. It has outbreak and mortality potential.
The disease affects some of the world’s poorest people and is associated with malnutrition, population displacement, poor housing, a weak immune system and lack of financial resources.
“Only a small fraction of those infected by parasites causing leishmaniasis will eventually develop the disease.”
Kala azar, has been describe as the second deadliest parasitic disease in the world, with only malaria killing more people compared to it.
Kala azar is the most serious form of leishmaniasis and is endemic in 76 countries, with hundreds of millions at risk of infection.
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.
The disease is endemic in Kenya's Rift Valley, eastern and north-eastern regions.
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).
Kenya's Turkana, a semi-arid county in the Rift Valley, is particularly badly affected.
