Autopsy Reveals Stomach Condition That Killed Form 1 Mukumu Girls Student

Pathologist, Titus Ngulungu, had indicated that the minor's stomach had bled due to inflammation.

Autopsy Reveals Stomach Condition That Killed Form 1 Mukumu Girls Student
The entrance of Mukumu Girls High School in Kakamega. /DAILY NATION

Results from an autopsy conducted on Monday, April 3 revealed that Wendu Abetti Oyugi, a form one student at Sacred Heart Mukumu Girls High School, had succumbed to gastritis.

Pathologist, Titus Ngulungu, had indicated that the minor's stomach had bled due to inflammation.

The medical practitioner, while explaining the situation further, alleged that the student may have ingested a toxic product.

"After examination of the body, l have formed the opinion that the deceased died because of gastritis. However, l have collected more samples for toxicology tests at the government chemist to ascertain what caused the stomach inflammation.

Entrance to Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital. /VICTOR MATARA

"She was highly hydrated at the time of her death," Ngulungu stated.

The deceased's mother confirmed the pathologist's report, urging the school administration and the government to expedite the case.

"Other tests are being taken to Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) for further examination," Wendu's mother emotionally stated.

What is Gastritis, Signs & Symptoms

Gastritis is a general term for a group of conditions with one thing in common: Inflammation of the lining of the stomach. According to Mayo Clinic, the inflammation of gastritis is most often the result of infection with the same bacterium that causes most stomach ulcers or the regular use of certain pain relievers.

Gastritis may occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or appear slowly over time (chronic gastritis), but in some cases, gastritis can lead to ulcers and an increased risk of stomach cancer. For most people, however, gastritis isn't serious and improves quickly with treatment.

The signs and symptoms of gastritis include: gnawing or burning ache or pain (indigestion) in your upper abdomen that may become either worse or better with eating, nausea, vomiting and a feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen after eating.

When to see a doctor

Nearly everyone has had a bout of indigestion and stomach irritation. Most cases of indigestion are short-lived and don't require medical care. You are advised to see your healthcare provider if you have signs and symptoms of gastritis for a week or longer.

Seek medical attention immediately if you have severe pain, if you have vomiting where you cannot hold any food down, or if you feel light-headed or dizzy. Tell your doctor if your stomach discomfort occurs after taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs, especially aspirin or other pain relievers.

If you are vomiting blood, have blood in your stools or have stools that appear black, see your doctor right away to determine the cause.

According to reports, the school administration informed her of Wendu's situation after her condition deteriorated. She was instructed to pick her up on Thursday, March 30 and was treated for a suspected bacterial infection at a local hospital before being discharged.

However, the condition worsened despite receiving medical attention from a local hospital. She died after being rushed to another hospital for further medical attention.

Wendu was among 28 Mukumu Girls High School students rushed to nearby hospitals. After the incident, Regional Education director Jared Obiero confirmed that the school had been closed to stop any further spread of any infection in the institution amidst intervention from local leaders led by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.

Kakamega Senator, Boni Khalwale. /FILE