Doctors are sounding the alarm about the increasing incidence of pneumonia and tuberculosis, especially among children and young adults, sparking concerns of a potential surge in Covid-19 infections.
Vincent Nyangweso, a general practitioner in Kasarani, reveals that he's been encountering approximately seven patients daily exhibiting symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat, with subsequent diagnoses of TB or pneumonia.
"The pattern has remained consistent over the past two months," says Dr. Nyangweso, attributing it to shifting weather patterns that facilitate the spread of pathogens causing these diseases.
"The current weather conditions significantly contribute to the rise in respiratory illnesses. Patients, aged between three months to 23 years, often present symptoms like coughing up blood, excessive sweating, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. Laboratory tests almost always confirm pneumonia or tuberculosis," explains Dr. Nyangweso.
Celestine Mutemi, from Medical Hospital in Nairobi, reports multiple admissions of children with pneumonia requiring low oxygen flow.
"We anticipate seasonal spikes in respiratory infections. Currently, we have infants as young as six months old on oxygen. The situation remains fluid. He was diagnosed with pneumonia two weeks ago," notes Dr. Mutemi.
While the Ministry of Health hasn't received official alerts regarding this trend, they assert close monitoring.
"As a department, we haven't received any reports from the disease monitoring surveillance team. Nevertheless, we'll stay vigilant and provide updates," states Sultani Matendechero, deputy director-general for health at the Department of Public Health and Professional Standards.
Despite public concerns about a potential new Covid-19 variant, the Ministry denies such claims, citing a general decline in positive cases with fluctuating prevalence.
Dr. Matendechero urges the public to prioritize booster shots, as Covid-19 transmission persists.