News of 'Jakadala' may be fading away but its effects, especially on youths, is still alive.
The fact that the alleged 'new' Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) may be deadlier than HIV/AIDs is what makes it even more dreadful.
Although the existence of 'Jakadala' infection was declared as fake news, most Kenyan youths especially those in universities lived in extreme fear for almost three weeks.
A report from various clinics that serve Moi University main campus revealed just how deep the belief of 'Jakadala' infection was rooted among students at the Kesses-based institution.
Most of the clinics requested for anonymity.
Apart from the school dispensary, the university is served by around 3 clinics; two of them at Talai market centre and one at Kesses.
A doctor at one of the clinics who only wanted to be identified as Daktari Kiprop revealed that the number of students who wanted to be tested for HIV and other STIs significantly increased during the period of the 'Jakadala' infection.
"After the news of the Jakadala almost became serious, a good number of students came to test for HIV and STIs. In my opinion, it might be because of the fear that the infection was real," the doctor explained.
Erick Kiptanui, a doctor based at Kesses further revealed that most of the students who came for testing turned to be suffering from Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). He, however, advised the students to continue using protection.
"Most of the UTIs are characterized by pain during urination, discharge of pus and itching in the private parts. So when 'Jakadala' was claimed to have almost the same symptoms, of course, it was natural for the students to be afraid," Kiptanui noted.
Rehema Achieng who is a nurse at one of the clinics which are based at Talai Market centre revealed that the increased number of students seeking to be tested for STIs was as a result of being psychologically affected.
"Any professional doctor would have told you from the beginning that the news of 'Jakadala' infection was fake. But for the students who are sexually active, the thought of the infection being real affected their psychology, and even made them believe they may have contracted it," Achieng said.
It is now obvious that the news of 'Jakadala' infection was fake. It nonetheless served as a reminder for the comrades to use protection during sex.
#hivisasaoriginal #MyLifestyle