Kenya battles Cholera outbreak as 97 cases and six deaths reported

A cholera outbreak has hit parts of Kenya, with 97 cases and six deaths recorded in Migori, Kisumu, and Nairobi counties.

The Ministry of Health on Tuesday confirmed that steps are being taken to contain the disease and protect the affected communities.

Migori County has reported the highest number of infections at 53, with one death.

The cases have been reported in Suna East, Suna West, Kuria East, and Kuria West. Most of the patients in Migori have recovered, with only two still receiving treatment in hospital.

Kisumu has recorded 32 cases and four deaths.

The outbreak in the county has mainly affected Nyando and Muhoroni sub-counties.

In Nairobi, 12 cases have been confirmed, with one death. The affected sub-counties include Kasarani, Embakasi East, Embakasi Central, Roysambu, Kibra, and Dagoretti South.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the government, together with county authorities, has launched several response measures to deal with the outbreak.

These include surveillance, training of health workers, and community engagement.

"We have stepped up active case search, contact tracing, and deployed rapid response teams both at the national and county levels," Duale said.

Healthcare workers have been sensitized on how to manage cases and improve hygiene and sanitation practices.

The Ministry has also been sharing information with the public through community health promoters, media, and public officers.

Testing of suspected cases and treatment of confirmed ones is ongoing, with close contacts also receiving preventive medication.

Field investigations in affected areas revealed that many households had been consuming untreated water.

The Ministry is now enforcing water hygiene and sanitation measures, including household water treatment and food safety campaigns.

"Households are encouraged to drink only clean water, preferably boiled or chlorinated, and to store it in clean, covered containers," Duale said.

"Proper waste disposal and clean latrines are also essential."

Kenyans have also been urged to take personal hygiene seriously.

People are being advised to wash hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially after visiting the toilet, before meals, and while caring for sick persons.

The Ministry has recommended setting up handwashing stations in public areas and disinfecting surfaces regularly, especially those used in food preparation.

Duale warned that cholera can be fatal if not treated quickly.

"At the first signs of diarrhea, people should begin taking Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and immediately go to the nearest health facility," he said. "Self-medication and traditional remedies should be avoided."

On food safety, the Ministry has advised the public to cook food thoroughly, especially meat and fish, and to use clean water when preparing meals.

Food should be stored in clean containers, and raw items should be kept separate from cooked ones.

The Ministry has assured the public that the country is prepared to contain the outbreak.

Surveillance has been increased, and community awareness activities have been scaled up to ensure early detection and swift response to new cases.

"The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that we safeguard the health of our communities and that every Kenyan is protected from emerging public health threats," Duale stated.