Six dead as cholera outbreak spreads

At least six people have died in a cholera outbreak, the Health Ministry has said. 

The six are part of 97 cases reported in various health facilities so far translating to a 6.2 percent fatality rate.

Migori is the most affected county, reporting fifty-three (53) cases and a single death while Kisumu follows closely with 32 cases and four deaths. Nairobi County has registered twelve cases with one ending in a fatality.

All counties have since been placed on high alert to contain further infections.

“The Ministry of Health reassures the public that the country is adequately prepared to manage and contain this outbreak. We are on high alert in all counties, surveillance activities have been stepped up, as well as intensified community awareness to ensure that any alerts are responded to in a timely manner,” said Health CS Aden Duale in a statement.

The Health Ministry’s advisory comes three days after  Nairobi County government instructed city hospitals to activate rapid response teams and implement cholera control measures, following a recent outbreak that affected Kibra Sub-County.

According to Duale, preventive and remedial measures have already been activated including contact tracing, testing and treatment of suspected cases besides training of health workers.

Additionally, the ministry is engaging affected communities to create awareness on the disease whose symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting, muscle pains and severe dehydration.

While the disease can easily lead to death if left untreated, it can be prevented by proper hygiene and sanitation, consumption of safe food and water, and timely medical intervention in case of an infection.