16 boys admitted to Eldoret hospital with complications after circumcision
By Stanley KimugeSixteen boys are recuperating at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) after developing complications while undergoing circumcision.
MTRH’s Chief Executive Dr Wilson Aruasa confirmed the boys are receiving treatment at the facility for secondary infections (sepsis) while undergoing the cut.
The initiates are from Uasin Gishu, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Nandi counties, said the official.
The patients were admitted to the facility on different dates in the period between the months of December and January.
“They are responding well to treatment. (They) mainly got secondary infections(sepsis) after undergoing circumcision,” Dr Aruasa said.
Dr Aruasa emphasized the need for infection prevention and control, IPC, primary health care which includes health education, clean water and sanitation, proper diet and nutrition at the community level to curb complications.
“Training of the surgeons on proper surgery, infection prevention and control and general hygiene measures will help mitigate against such complications,” explained Dr Aruasa.
In most African communities, traditional circumcision is performed as part of cultural rites where boys transition from childhood to manhood.
In the recent past, there have been some reported cases of boys succumbing to some infections as a result of botched circumcision.
Recently, a 14-year-old boy from Tarakwa in Ainabkoi Sub County in Uasin Gishu County died from complications following a botched circumcision on December 3.
Some three others are reported to have also succumbed to injuries.
The teen, who had just completed his primary school leaving exam scoring 395 marks, was looking forward to joining a prestigious high school in the country.
On the day of the initiation, the boy joined his four cousins at his uncle’s home in Lelmokwo, Nandi County for the traditional rites and the five were set for an elaborate graduation ceremony later in the month.
But, two days later, he began vomiting, lost his appetite and appeared weak. His legs began to swell and he complained of chest pains and a bloated stomach.
Septic shock is a widespread infection causing organ failure and dangerously low blood pressure.
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