By Samuel Ouma
Kenya reported 462 recoveries in the last 24 hours, announced the Ministry of Health.
Out of the 462, five hundred and eighty seven (587) were under home-based care programme and 55 from various hospitals, said Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) in the Ministry Dr. Rashid Aman. The total number of recoveries now stands at 6,258.
Speaking during the daily press briefing on the virus, Dr. Aman said the country registered 397 new cases between Monday and Tuesday from 3,637 samples.
Out of the positive cases, 389 are Kenyans and 8 are foreigners.
The youngest patient is 1 year-old and the oldest is 90 years with 236 being males and 161 females.
The cases were reported as follows: Nairobi 239; Kiambu 33; Machakos 27; Nyeri 17; Busia 16; Nakuru 12; Mombasa 12; Kajiado 10; Migori 8; Uasin Gishu 8; Kericho 5; Narok 3; Laikipia 3; Kisii, Nyandarua, Kisumu and Lamu 1 each.
The total number of confirmed cases in the African country is at 14,168.
Dr. Aman admitted that men are worst hit by the respiratory disease compared to women saying the surge in cases among males is a matter of concern.
“Why more men, fewer women? There can be very many theories to try and explain that and there are also scientific studies being undertaken to try and understand that,” Dr Aman reiterated.
“At this point and time, there is no clear answer why more men are affected than women. The cause of the disease is the same in both sexes. That is a question that will be answered in time once research sheds light on the factors,” he added.
Death toll has hit 250 after 12 others succumbed to the disease.
He called on healthcare workers to give older patients first priority noting that they are at greater risk of contracting the dreaded deadly disease. The minister averred that older people need proper dieting.
“They (medics) need to ask about pre-existing conditions. Often this cohort will be anxious and fearful of leaving their households. Due to physiological changes of ageing, old people are susceptible to COVID-19. I urge healthcare givers to provide sound advice to families…. Healthy eating helps and so older people should be supported,” he said.
So far cumulative samples tested are 249,998.
