The Ministry of Health has confirmed that a total of 97 cases and six fatalities have been recorded following the cholera outbreak in the country.
In a statement on Tuesday, April 8, the Health Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, confirmed that as of Sunday, April 6, the cases were recorded in Migori, Kisumu, and Nairobi.
In Nairobi, twelve cases and one casualty have been reported, with Kasarani, Embakasi East, Embakasi Central, Roysambu, Kibra, and Dagoretti South being the hardest hit.
In Migori County, which is reeling from the outbreak, a total of 53 cases and one fatality have been reported, with Suna East, Suna West, Kuria East, and Kuria West being the most affected.
In Kisumu, 32 cases and four casualties have been reported, with Nyando and Muhoroni being the most affected sub-counties.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoea infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
Cholera can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea and can be fatal within hours if untreated.
Other symptoms of the disease, which has a case fatality rate of 6.2 percent, include vomiting, muscle cramps, and severe dehydration, which often appear within 2 hours to 5 days after infection.
"Cholera is a serious disease that can lead to rapid dehydration and potentially death if left untreated. Prompt medical attention is therefore important for persons suspected to be infected with cholera," Duale said.
Duale has cautioned the public against self-medication, emphasising that one should immediately seek proper medical care once one experiences the symptoms.
The CS has further urged the public to be vigilant as they handle food by making sure they wash their hands before preparing food, cook their food properly, use clean water to prepare the food, and ensure that they store food in clean containers.
Additionally, the ministry has urged the public to ensure that they consume clean water, use proper latrines, and properly dispose of waste.
Duale has further recommended the setting up of handwashing stations in public places equipped with clean water, soap, or a hand sanitiser.
On the other hand, Duale has assured that the ministry will continue deploying rapid response teams across the country to curb the spread of the disease, in addition to educating healthcare workers on how to handle the cases.
"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," he said.
