Six family members tested in bid to unravel mystery killer disease

Cuban neurologist Dr. Yamile Castilo (in white coat)leads a team of doctors from the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in conducting preliminary medical examination on six more family members of the Londiani family suspected to be suffering from devastating genetic disease. [Photo: Standard]

A team of doctors from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) are conducting tests on six more members of a family suspected to be suffering from a hereditary disease.

Five members of the late Julius arap Marungoino family, who are adversely affected by the disease, are currently admitted at the hospital in Eldoret.

Doctors today travelled to Kiplokyi-Kapkeley village in Kipkelion East Constituency to examine six more family members, including a one-year-old baby. The team was led by neurologist Yamile Castilo.

Since the early 1980s, the mysterious disease has claimed the lives of 11 members of the family. The disease has affected four generations.

More members

"After the admission of the five family members suffering from what we believe to be a genetic disease, we decided to visit their home to examine more members,” said Dr Castilo. 

The hospital's Corporate Communication Officer Daniel Langat said their mission was to follow up on the investigations conducted on the five patients admitted to the facility. 

"Our aim is to get more information on the family tree, the environment, economic status among other issues," said Mr Langat. 

Former Kipkelion MP Magerer Langat, who has been coordinating meetings between the family and the doctors, urged the Government to review funding for medical research.