Over 102 medics contract Covid-19

A healthcare worker in a protective suit. [File, Jonah Onyango, Standard]

At least 102 healthcare workers had by Friday last week tested positive for Covid-19, according to Kakamega County Executive Committee Member for Health Collins Matemba.

Another two front-line workers are believed to have tested positive for Covid-19, while test results for more samples taken to Kenya Medical Research Institute in Kisumu are yet to return. A number of those that have tested positive are in designated quarantine facilities with their family members.

“Nine St Peter’s Boys in Mumias students tested positive for the disease. Another student from Mukumu Girls also tested positive for the disease and is still at large. She is neither at home nor at the school,” said Mr Matemba.

Kakamega has accounted for at least four of the 10 doctors who have succumbed to Covid-19 in Kenya.

They are Dr Daniel Alushula, Dr Hudson Inyangala, Dr Hudson Alumera and Dr Robert Ayisi.

Others who have died from the disease are Director General Technical Education Owate Wambayi, Robert Sumbi (Kakamega County Chief of Staff), Mabel Muruli (who contested for the Kakamega governor seat) and Matungu MP Justus Murunga.

“Covid-19 spread among medics cuts across Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma and Vihiga counties. Counties were ill-prepared from the onset. The situation is now severe and doctors appear to be on their own,” said Dr Antony Akoto, chairman of Kenya Medical Practitioners and Pharmacists and Dentist’s Union Western Branch.