Kericho: Kericho County is experiencing an increase in typhoid cases, with over 5,030 infections reported in the past one year. The disease has affected both children and adults across various parts of the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, health experts attribute the surge to factors such as climate change, rapid urbanisation, overcrowding, and poor sanitation. County Immunisation Services Coordinator Alfred Langat noted that typhoid typically develops one to three weeks after exposure and, if untreated, can last for several weeks, explaining that early symptoms include fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, headache, loss of appetite, dry cough, and diarrhoea.
The statistics were announced during the launch of a 10-day countywide Measles-Rubella (MR) and Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) mass vaccination campaign which kicked off at Highlands Primary School in Kericho Town, aiming to vaccinate at least 500,000 children across all the six sub-counties in Kericho. Kericho Governor Dr. Eric Mutai, who officially launched the mass vaccination drive, assured residents that there were enough doses and that the vaccines were safe and urged parents to ensure their children are immunised in the exercise that runs until July 14, 2025.
'The vaccines are safe, effective, and vital in protecting our children's health. The exercise is being conducted in public and private health facilities, schools, churches, markets, and other public places throughout the County,' said Dr. Mutai. The governor also called on National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), including Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs, to support the community mobilisation campaign to ensure every eligible child is reached.
At the same time, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health, Dr. David Ekuwam, explained that children aged 9 months to 14 years will receive the typhoid vaccine, while children aged 9 months to 59 months will be given the measles-rubella vaccine. 'These vaccines, though injectable, are scientifically proven to be safe and are the best in preventing outbreaks, and to ensure proper documentation and follow-up, vaccinated children will have their left middle finger marked with indelible ink and will be issued official vaccination cards.' added Dr. Ekuwam.
Dr. Ekuwam also warned that measles and rubella are highly contagious airborne diseases, while typhoid is a bacterial infection transmitted through consumption of food or water contaminated with human waste. The Health Services CECM urged parents to seek immediate medical attention if children show symptoms of measles such as fever, rash, red eyes, persistent cough, or runny nose.
Meanwhile, County Health Services Director Dr. Betty Langat pointed out that additional health personnel had been deployed across the County to ensure full coverage, including vaccination of street children within towns in the County.