Khasoko Boys High School Shuts Down Indefinitely After Second Student Death
In a tragic turn of events, Khasoko Boys High School in Bumala Constituency has been closed indefinitely following the death of a second student.
This marks the second time in a matter of weeks that the school has been forced to shut its doors due to unfortunate circumstances.
The initial closure occurred last month when a student passed away from an intestinal infection, resulting in several other students being sent home to recuperate.
This marks the second time in a matter of weeks that the school has been forced to shut its doors due to unfortunate circumstances.
The initial closure occurred last month when a student passed away from an intestinal infection, resulting in several other students being sent home to recuperate.
On May 17, a number of students began experiencing symptoms such as headaches and general weakness throughout their bodies.
These students sought medical attention at various health facilities across the county.
The Bungoma Health Executive, Andrew Wamalwa, reported that they provided assistance to approximately 117 out of the 1,028 affected students from the school.
Out of the 24 students who were tested, ten were diagnosed with malaria, including two with severe cases who received treatment and were subsequently allowed to return to school.
Unfortunately, the situation took a turn for the worse when another student fell ill and was referred to Bungoma County Referral Hospital on May 18.
Tragically, this student succumbed to the illness on May 19, causing panic among the school community.
As a result, the school management made the difficult decision to close the institution in order to contain the situation.
Dr. Wamalwa revealed that on May 19 and May 31, additional students displayed similar symptoms and were treated at Khasoko Health Centre before being released.
A report from the county health officials indicated that a total of 128 students had been affected since the school reopened, with seven students experiencing acute malaria and 40 facing uncomplicated cases.
Upon investigation, county health officials discovered that the school had failed to implement preventive measures against malaria.
Shockingly, the school lacked bed nets and had not undergone fumigation at the start of the term, despite the region being plagued by serious malaria cases.
Dr. Wamalwa clarified that claims of water and food contamination were unfounded, as laboratory tests conducted at the government public health laboratory in Nairobi revealed no evidence of contamination.
This incident at Khasoko Boys High School follows a similar occurrence at The Sacred Heart Mukumu Girls School in Kakamega, where three students and a teacher died after allegedly consuming contaminated water and food.
Over 500 students at Mukumu Girls fell ill as a result, prompting the implementation of various measures mandated by the Ministry of Health and Education.
The school, however, reopened two weeks ago after taking these precautions.
During this same period, Butere Boys School in Kakamega County also faced closure when 100 students exhibited symptoms resembling cholera.
However, after samples were taken to Butere Sub-county Hospital and the Kenya Medical Research Institute, the County Government of Kakamega ruled out cholera as the cause.
Khasoko Boys High School Shuts Down Indefinitely After Second Student Death
