Murang'a County bans food hawking, cooking in social gatherings following Cholera outbreak

The Murang'a County government has instituted a ban on food hawking, cooking of food in social gatherings, and open-air kiosks following a Cholera outbreak in the region.

The move comes just a few days after a number of people contaminated the acute diarrhoeal infection at a baby shower in Mumbi Estate in Murang’a town.

Speaking to the press, Murang'a County Health Director Winnie Kanyi noted that public awareness on drinking safe water and maintaining high standards of personal cleanliness and sanitation is important in keeping the killer disease at bay.

"20 people exhibiting symptoms of Cholera have so far presented themselves to Murang’a County Referral Hospital with signs and symptoms of Cholera and we took them to an isolation centre for closer monitoring. 10 of them have so far been discharged," said Ms. Kanyi.  

"The outbreak is real and we should be very careful with how we handle our food and how we wash our hands after visiting the toilet or handling the waste of young children. Make sure that you cook food properly and cover it correctly when you store it. If we do this we will be able to control the disease."

She likewise urged the businesses that will be affected by the prohibition order to respect the county's move which seeks to mitigate spread of the disease, noting that the ban will be lifted as soon as infection cases are eradicated.

Public Health Officer Alice Muthoni echoed Ms. Kanyi's sentiments while urging businessmen who handle fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables to properly wash them with running water or allow customers to carry the commodities upon purchase so that they can do the same within the confines of their homes.

Community Health Services Officer Robert Kuria, on his part, urged persons exhibiting Cholera symptoms to seek medical advice, immediately noting that the disease can claim lives quickly if left untreated.  

"Cholera is transmitted through the fecal oral route whereby an infected person passes the bacteria via his stool and flies happen to pick the bacteria up before contaminating food. Once a person consumes the contaminated food, the bacteria will get into the body," said Mr. Kuria.

"Within a few hours or days, given the severity of the case, the infected person will start developing symptoms such as watery diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pains. Should you or any person you know experience such symptoms, kindly refer them to any nearby hospital immediately."