Locals risk catching sleeping sickness

Kisumu, Kenya: Residents of Central Sakwa ward are living in fear of contracting trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, following the resurgence of tsetse flies in the region.

Led by Barrack Mito, who comes from Lenya village in Uyawi sub-location, the residents claim the large biting flies have increased along the beaches of Liunda, Uyawi and Wagusu among others.

 “We appeal to the Government to contain the situation before it gets worse,” said Mr Mito, adding they all risked infection together with their domestic animals.

HEALTH SECTOR

Speaking at a county public hearing on the preparation of the budget for the 2015-2016 financial year at Nango Social Hall on Tuesday, the residents advised the county government through its health sector to spray the edges of the lake basin to eradicate the deadly flies.

Ward Representative Johannes Andiego said fishermen were fearful of going out in search of their daily bread due to the tsetse fly menace.