Deworming mishap leaves 39 pupils in Kisumu ill

Some of the pupils from Ongadi primary school in Kisumu county that were admitted at Gita health centre on February 26 2016 after a deworming exercise that was being carried out in all primary schools turned tragic. The pupils suffered from dizziness, stomach ache and headache. PHOTO: COLLINS ODUOR

KISUMU: A deworming campaign has brought pain to 39 pupils in Kisumu County taken ill with malaria-like symptoms.

A day after taking the deworming drugs, the children started complaining of stomach aches, dizziness and headache.

The previous day, Thursday, the children drawn from different schools, had been given drugs by the Ministry of Health officials conducting a nation wide deworming drive. About 15 pupils from Angira, two from Rae and 22 from Ong’adi Primary schools in Kajulu, were rushed to Gita Health Centre.

Ong’adi Primary School deputy head teacher Jean Abira said they rushed over 20 pupils to Gita Health Centre which is a few minutes away, after they complained of headache and stomach irritation. The teacher said the previous day, the pupils had received a dose of Albendazole 400 milligrammes for deworming and Praziquantel 600 miligrammes for bilharzia (Schistosomiasis).

“Before the drugs were administered to the pupils, we gave them food. So I doubt if food is the issue,” she said.

Gita Health Centre clinical officer Geoffrey Otieno confirmed that they had received some sick pupils at the facility.

“We received some children exhibiting some mild side effects. Sometimes it happens when one has not eaten but others still react even after eating,” Otieno said.

Dr Pauline Mwinzi, a Kenya Medical Research Institute scientist in Kisumu, told The Standard on Sunday that the two drugs are safe. “The two drugs are beneficial for getting rid of worms that later cause bilharzia. However, they should be taken after a meal to ensure they work optimally,” said Dr Mwinzi.

Kisumu County Director of Health Dr Ojwang’ Lusi said they had instructed that the drug be administered after the children had eaten. “What is happening is known and parents should not get worried,” Lusi said.