Health experts have now been deployed to look into a strange illness in Kakamega that, according to reports, has killed one person while several others have been hospitalized.

The illness has caused panic among residents of Shimanyiro village in Ikolomani, where many are experiencing intense abdominal and chest pain, high fever, headaches, and other worrying symptoms.

In a bid to curb the spread, Kakamega County health officials have launched an investigation and are working to identify the cause and implement control measures.

Kakamega County Health Executive, Livingstone Imbayi, confirmed the deployment, stating that the team would conduct a thorough investigation using samples collected from affected individuals.

He urged those showing symptoms to seek immediate medical attention as authorities await laboratory results from the Government Chemist.

"We have intensified surveillance efforts to establish the source of the outbreak. We are waiting for laboratory results to guide the next steps," Imbayi told Daily Nation.

Additionally, the medical team is set to collect samples from those showing symptoms, enabling the government to carry out thorough laboratory tests aimed at identifying the exact nature of the illness.

''We have not established the origin of the disease, but our doctors are doing all they can to investigate and know if there is any outbreak,'' Imbayi said.

Residents have pointed fingers at the Ministry of Health, accusing it of dragging its feet in responding to the disease outbreak, even after they had reached out for medical assistance.

Speaking to the media, locals disclosed that although they sought treatment at nearby health facilities, the antibiotics given by medical staff have failed to improve the situation or curb the spread of the illness.

''We have been hit by a strange disease that has left 12 affected. Some have been treated and are being monitored, and some are seriously ill. As you can see, some of them are being taken to the hospital aboard the government ambulances,'' a villager stated.

''It is very sad that when one visits the hospital, they are told that they must have SHA. This is happening when they cannot afford to register for the scheme.''

Locals reported that some victims, particularly children, displayed severe weakness, a loss of appetite, and continuous vomiting.

Despite experiencing these symptoms, nearby medical facilities reportedly refused treatment, leaving families to manage the illness at home.