Government Issues Alert Over Hepatitis B

The government has issued an alert over the outbreak of Hepatitis B that has been reported in three counties in the Rift Valley region.

Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo and West Pokot counties have been hit by the disease, yet most of their health facilities have inadequate vaccines to stem the disease.

The disease is dangerous. The rate at which it is spreading is alarming. We have partnered with the national government and there is a need to screen more people and vaccinate them,” stated West Pokot Health Executive Geoffrey Lipale.

He added that there was an urgent need to vaccinate people living in these areas to prevent a possible pandemic.

In Elgeyo Marakwet, Governor Alex Tolgos raised concern about five people, including a county health worker, who have died from the disease.

Baringo County Public Health Chief Officer Winnie Bore commented that the hardest hit areas were Baringo South, Mogotio and the lower parts of Baringo North and Kerio Valley.

49,000 people have tested positive for the disease, with more than 20 reported to have died since 2013.

Due to retrogressive cultural beliefs, most of the patients think that they have been bewitched and end up consulting herbalists thereby worsening the situation.

The symptoms may include fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach discomfort and yellow skin. The virus is found in blood, semen, vaginal fluids and saliva.

Hepatitis B is the only sexually transmitted disease that has a safe and effective vaccine to protect against infection.

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