Health Ministry confirm cholera outbreak with six fatalities so far reported

The ministry of Health has confirm a cholera outbreak currently affecting parts of the country resulting in six fatalities.

In a statement, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said that as of April 6,  a total of 97 cholera cases had been recorded in various parties of the country with the fatalities being reported in Nairobi, Migori and Kisumu.

Migori County is the most hard hit with 53 cases and one death reported in Suna East, Suna West, Kuria East, and Kuria West sub-counties. Most patients have, however, recovered while two remain hospitalised.

Kisumu County reported 32 cases and four deaths in Nyando and Muhoroni.

Nairobi County, 12 cases and one death were reported in Kasarani, Embakasi East, Embakasi Central, Roysambu, Kibra, and Dagoretti South.

Duale noted that cholera is a highly infectious waterborne disease caused by a bacteria known as Vibrio cholera. The disease is contracted through consuming food or water contaminated with the bacteria.

Symptoms include sudden onset of severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and severe dehydration, often appearing within two hours to five days after infection. It can lead to rapid dehydration and potentially death if left untreated. Prompt medical attention is therefore important for persons suspected to be infected with cholera.

The ministry, however, said that, in collaboration with County Governments, it is undertaking various interventions, including enhanced surveillance entailing active case search, contact tracing, and rapid response deployment at both national and county levels; sensitisation of health care workers on surveillance, case management, water sanitation, hygiene, and risk communication.

It is also disseminating information using community health promoters, administrative officers, media, and distribution of IEC materials and videos.

Others are household water treatment, hygiene enforcement, and food safety measures following field investigations revealing consumption of untreated water; and testing of suspected cases, treatment of confirmed cases, and prophylaxis for close contacts.

The ministry urged members of the public to ensure personal hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially after using the toilet, before eating or preparing food, and after caring for the sick.

They should also set up accessible handwashing stations in public places with clean water and soap, or hand sanitizer (minimum 60 per cent alcohol content) and avoid untreated water from open sources like rivers and lakes.

Storing water in clean, covered containers, disposing waste properly to avoid water contamination; avoiding open defecation and maintaining clean, functional latrines; regularly disinfecting surfaces, especially those used for food preparation and washing hands and sanitising surfaces and utensils before preparing food are also recommended.

Those in affected areas have also been advised to use oral rehydration solution to avoid dehydration and seek urgent treatment and nearest health facilities and avoid self-medication or traditional remedies.