18 Feb 2008 
A measles outbreak is feared in Kibera in the heart of the Kenyan capital city, Nairobi.
At least 12 suspected cases of measles – a contagious disease that can also become a leading cause of death especially in children already suffering other infections – were reported over the weekend by AMREF’s mobile clinic team in Kibera. A week earlier, three other cases had been diagnosed by another AMREF medical team at the Highrise Estate camp for displaced persons from Kibera in the post-election violence in Kenya.
AMREF is working with the Kenya Medical Research Institute following the clinical diagnosis of measles.
A measles outbreak is expected to touch off an immunization drive in the extensive slum through combined efforts by the Ministry of Health and other health-related organizations and UN agencies.
The post-election strife has certainly set the stage for outbreak of diseases such as measles. In areas experiencing or recovering from war, civil strife or natural disasters, infection rates have been known to soar because of the poor state of infrastructure and health services, which interrupt routine immunization. Also, overcrowding in camps for internally displaced people greatly increases the risk of infection.
During a recent clinic session in Kibera, AMREF found that the majority of nearly 800 patients suffered respiratory infections, followed by rheumatism and joint pains, intestinal worms, diarrhoeal diseases and skin infections.
AMREF’s Dr. Khisa Wakasiaka said AMREF treated 306 children and 438 adults in one day. Dr. Khisa said that women are bearing the brunt of the violence and are suffering far greater trauma compared with their male counterparts. They were victims of sexual violence and witnessed family members being killed or brutalized. Many had lost property to looters and arsonists.
For further information please contact: •Bob Kioko – Communications Manager, on +254 20 6993111 or Cell: +254 735 546440, email: bob.kioko@amref.org •Betty Muriuki – Writing Manager, on +254 20 6993327, Cell: +254 726 261495, email: betty.muriuki@amref.org |
