Gov’t Announces Cholera Outbreak in These Counties

The Ministry of Health has confirmed a cholera outbreak currently affecting three counties.

In a statement on Tuesday, April 8, the ministry revealed that a total of 97 cases, including six fatalities, have been reported across Migori, Kisumu, and Nairobi counties.

According to the ministry, Migori County has recorded the highest number of cases with 53 infections and 1 death. 

Affected sub-counties include Suna East, Suna West, Kuria East, and Kuria West. 

In Migori, a majority of patients have recovered, but two remain hospitalized.

On the other hand, Kisumu County reported 32 cases and 4 deaths in Nyando and Muhoroni sub-counties.

Nairobi County has confirmed 12 cases and 1 fatality, with outbreaks reported in Kasarani, Embakasi East, Embakasi Central, Roysambu, Kibra, and Dagoretti South.

In collaboration with County Governments, the Ministry of Health has initiated several key interventions to contain the outbreak. 

These include enhanced surveillance involving active case search, contact tracing, and rapid response deployment at national and county levels. 

Additionally, health worker training is also underway to sensitize healthcare workers on case management, surveillance, water sanitation, hygiene and risk communication.

Furthermore, measures are being taken to ensure water hygiene and sanitation, including household water treatment, hygiene enforcement, and food safety actions.

Case management efforts are also ongoing, with the testing of suspected cases, treatment of confirmed patients, and provision of prophylaxis for close contacts.

"Symptoms include sudden onset of severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and severe dehydration, often appearing within 2 hours to 5 days after infection.

"Cholera is a serious disease that 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 of Health said.