Spatial and Temporal Distributions of Visceral Leishmaniasis (Kala-azar) in Selected Communities of Isiolo County, Kenya

Abstract: Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL), also known as Kala-azar is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that is progressively emerging as a significant public health concern particularly in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). There is inadequate information on the spatial distribution, burden, and prevalence of the disease. The aim of this study is to: determine spatial and temporal distributions of visceral leishmaniasis in selected communities of Isiolo County. Design: An observational study using participatory epidemiology (PE) methods was adapted. Setting: This study was conducted in two Sub-Counties of Isiolo County namely Merti and Garbatulla. The two study sites were selected on the basis of Kala-azar being identified as an important public health problem by communities living in the two areas, and recent Ministry of Health reports which indicated that the two sites had documented cases of Kala-azar. Sample: Purposive 18 study communities comprising of 433 households. Tools: Informal interviews using semi-structured questions were conducted with study participants to gather indigenous qualitative and quantitative data on the disease and its surveillance. Seasonal calendars were utilized to assess the frequency and magnitude of the disease across the two study areas. Results: Overall, 273 households (63%) reported Kala-azar cases with a total of 15 deaths resulting in a case fatality rate of 3.5%. Temporal analysis indicated that Kala-azar cases predominantly occurred during the dry seasons suggesting a seasonal variation in the disease’s incidence. Conclusion: Merti and Garbatulla were identified as VL endemic clusters where communities demonstrated knowledge of VL high risk areas and recognized seasonal patterns of disease transmission. Recommendation: Understanding the VL spatial and temporal distribution in Kenya is crucial for effective control and elimination strategies. Keywords: Endemic, Isiolo, Kala-azar, Kenya, Participatory Epidemiology, Seasonal Calendars, Spatial, Temporal, Visceral Leishmaniasis. Title: Spatial and Temporal Distributions of Visceral Leishmaniasis (Kala-azar) in Selected Communities of Isiolo County, Kenya Author: Victor Mwiti Marangu, Prof. Eric M. Muchiri, Dr. Dorothy Kagendo International Journal of Novel Research in Healthcare and Nursing ISSN 2394-7330 Vol. 12, Issue 2, May 2025 - August 2025 Page No: 40-50 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 07-June-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15614937 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/Spatial%20and%20Temporal%20Distributions%20of%20Visceral%20Leishmaniasis%20(Kala-azar)-07062025-3.pdf