One dead as cholera hits Migori

One person has been confirmed dead while five others have been hospitalized following a cholera outbreak in Migori County.

Health County Executive Committee Caleb Opondi confirmed that Raphael Mwita aged 20 died at Mother Sovereight Hospital.

The deceased is believed to have come from Tanzania before presenting with Cholera symptoms.

“He must have gotten Cholera from the neighboring country,” Mr. Opondi said.

Contact tracing was conducted in Sakuri village, Kuria East Sub-County, following a cholera case, testing 25 individuals.

Six individuals reportedly related to the man displayed similar symptoms and were hospitalized at Kegonga Sub-County Hospital and Getende Nursing Home for treatment.

Three individuals were later confirmed positive through rapid diagnostic testing.

“Our team eventually started contact tracing and that is where we got the three cases which were confirmed positive. They are doing well and are stable,” Opondi remarked.

The health department has already fumigated the hospital and home where the first case was reported.

Opondi said the county had deployed a surveillance team on the ground to monitor the outbreak and provided water treatment chemicals.

He warned the public from consuming foods sold in open places to help curb the spread of cholera.

“We have also involved a multi-agency team so that people can ensure there is hygiene when handling food,” Opondi said.

The multi-agency team will also ensure that homes have toilets and handwashing points to prevent further spread of the disease.