Ministry of Health confirms Cholera outbreak after 97 cases, 6 deaths reported

The Ministry of Health has confirmed a Cholera outbreak in the country, noting that 97 cases and six fatalities have so far been recorded.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, in a statement released on Tuesday, said the cases have all been recorded in three counties, namely; Migori, Kisumu, and Nairobi.

Migori leads the pack with 53 cases and 1 death reported, with the affected sub-counties being; Suna East, Suna West, Kuria East and Kuria West.

In Kisumu County, 32 cases and 4 deaths were reported in Nyando and Muhoroni, while an additional 12 cases and 1 death were recorded in the Kasarani, Embakasi East, Embakasi Central, Roysambu, Kibra and Dagoretti South areas of Nairobi County.

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 2 hours to 5 days after infection.

CS Duale noted that a raft of emergency measures is underway, including the provision of oral rehydration salts, setting up isolation units, and ramping up community awareness.

He also appealed to the public to observe strict hygiene practices: wash hands with soap, treat drinking water, avoid raw or undercooked food, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms like watery diarrhea or vomiting appear.

“The Ministry of Health reassures the public that the country is adequately prepared to manage and contain this outbreak,” stated the CS.