Food hawking banned as cholera spreads to Kisii

What you need to know:

  • Red Cross official John Roche said the six Kisii County cases were reported around Nyabigege, Tabaka and Riosiri Markets.
  • For the past two weeks, the disease has devastated parts of Homa Bay and Migori counties.
  • Public Health Officer Mellitus Kabar said his office would ensure all hotels and kiosks comply with health standards set by the county and national governments.

The cholera outbreak continues to spread, with six new cases being reported in Kisii County on Tuesday.

For the past two weeks, the disease has devastated parts of Homa Bay and Migori counties. Almost 900 cases have been reported in the two counties. Seventeen people have died so far.

This is the first time it is being reported outside the two counties, an indication that efforts to address the problem are yet to bear fruit.

Four Adek Primary School learners in Homa Bay were diagnosed with the disease on Tuesday.

Red Cross official John Roche said the six Kisii County cases were reported around Nyabigege, Tabaka and Riosiri Markets.

“We are working hard to ensure no more infections occur,” said Mr Roche.
He said his organisation had begun installing hand-washing equipment in schools since most of the victims were pupils.

WEAK IMMUNE SYSTEM

“The immune system of the learners is still very weak. We will do all we can to ensure cholera is contained,” he said.

Following the outbreak, the Kisii County Government on Tuesday directed that all unhygienic food premises be closed. It also banned hawking of cooked food.

Public Health Officer Mellitus Kabar said his office would ensure all hotels and kiosks comply with health standards set by the county and national governments.

“We cannot leave anything to chance. Residents’ safety is our first priority,” he said.

Mr Roche said the major focus was Riosiri Market in South Mugirango.

“It is the biggest market around and it attracts many people. We have distributed chemicals to ensure that all drinking water is safe,” he said.

He said the six patients were receiving treatment at Kisii Referral and Teaching Hospital.

Meanwhile, Kakamega County has prohibited the importation of fish to Mumias Sub-County and surrounding areas in a bid to control the spread of the water-borne disease.

Mumias Public Health Officer Antony Angaye also banned cooking in the open and hawking of food. He said most fish sold in the area was sourced from counties where cholera had been reported.

“Anyone violating the directive will be arrested and taken to court,” he told journalists in Mumias Town.