Thousands of primary school children in Kisii County have been screened for rheumatic heart disease.

The free camp organised by the Mater Hospital in collaboration with the County Government was held at Masakwe PAG primary school in Kitutu Chache North Sub County on Saturday.

Cardiologists from the Mater Hospital and volunteers, mostly medical students from various universities, conducted the screening for children aged between 5 and 15 years.

Rheumatic disease is permanent damage to the heart following rheumatic fever. It can lead to heart failure and sometimes the need for cardiac surgery.

Last term, a class six pupil at Masakwe primary school died of the disease prompting the screening exercise. By midday, two pupils screened showed early symptoms of the disease.

"We collaborated with Mater Hospital to provide screening for these children in order to ensure we mop up those cases that may not be identified through normal hospital visits. We shall continue holding such clinics across the County especially in medical fields where we don't have enough specialists," said Director of Medical services Dr Geoffrey Otomu.

Cardiac coordinator at the Mater Hospital, Roseanne Nyabera said children found to have congenital heart problems will be registered and booked for heart surgery.

"Upper Respiratory Tract Infections, if not properly treated, can cause heart complications with deadly consequences. Teachers and parents should ensure proper management of such ailments as common colds," said Nyabera.

She said Mater Hospital was willing to conduct similar camps in all Sub Counties in close collaboration with the County.