Parents of Eregi Girls High School in Kakamega that has been hit by a mysterious illness have started withdrawing their children.
The school management is currently holed up in a crisis meeting to discuss a way forward in the wake of unconfirmed reports that the school has been closed indefinitely.
So far 1000 students from a population of 1,662 have gone home.
The yet-to-be-identified disease which has left 95 students hospitalised has caused panic and widespread unrest within the school even as authorities appeal for calm.
The latest development follows protests by parents and students.
The girls turned rowdy Tuesday evening pelting police with stones. Three officers and scores of students were injured during the chaos.
The sick students have reportedly displayed symptoms of knee pain and paralysis, which has resulted in difficulty walking.
The test results of blood, urine and stool samples collected and dispatched to Kisumu laboratory and KEMRI Nairobi are expected today (Wednesday).
According to Kakamega County’s CEC for Health, Bernard Wesonga 29 students are currently receiving treatment at Iguhu Hospital, 39 at Kakamega Referral Hospital, 31 at Mukumu Mission Hospital, and 14 at Shibwe Hospital.
“ Some students are responding positively to medication, while others are still under medical care” he stated.
Obiero Jared, the Regional Director of Education, assured the public that the situation was under control, dispelling rumors that more than 100 students had been admitted.
Source. Carolyne Necheza
