Since the “double mutant” Indian form was identified there a few months ago, Kisumu County has seen an increase in malaria infections, with most patients also testing positive for Covid-19.
According to data at the Kisumu County Hospital, the areas with the highest malaria load include Nyando, Nyakach and Seme, and Kisumu East sub-counties, with children being the hardest hit, with admissions increasing thrice in the last two months.
Children admitted with malaria have increased from 19 percent to 60 percent, while adult admissions have doubled from 25 to 50 percent, raising fears of stock outs. “We have antimalarial to treat the disease, but if we don’t receive another consignment, we might run out of supply,” says Kisumu County Director of Health Fredrick Oluoch.
Adults have been diagnosed with both malaria and Covid-19, and the spike in malaria cases has linked with recent heavy rains and rising water levels in Lake Victoria, with an expected increase in cases lasting until July.
Malaria is identified in 50 to 60 out of every 150 patients seeking treatment at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), which amounts to 70 percent of patients.
