One dead, another in hospital after cholera outbreak in Isiolo

An 87-year-old woman has died while another patient is admitted to Isiolo county Referral Hospital following a cholera outbreak.

On Monday, at least 10 people from Checheles with cholera symptoms were treated and discharged.

Isiolo Medical Superintendent Mohammud Abdikadir said the woman died Sunday at her home in Checheles and upon investigation, medics found that the woman had cholera symptoms.

Dr Abdikadir added that another patient currently receiving treatment was admitted last Friday and showed cholera symptoms.

Samples sent to Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) for analysis tested positive for cholera.

The woman, 35, is currently in stable condition and has been placed in an isolation room to prevent the spread of the disease.

He said about 500 people from the area have been cleared after medics administered preventive drugs.

“We are suspecting cases of food and water contamination in Checheles,” he added.

CAMP SET UP

Already, the hospital has set up a camp to treat emerging cases.

“We have set a medical camp in the area for any patient showing signs of cholera to be treated immediately,” he added.

Dr Abdikadir said the hospital had also secluded a room in case more patients were admitted.

The hospital has sent a team of medics to visit schools, mosques, churches and sub county hospitals to provide information on measures of preventing a further spread of cholera.

The officer also urged locals to be vigilant and report any suspected cases to the hospital.

Last week, 10 people were admitted to various hospitals in Meru County with cholera symptoms.

However, Meru Health Executive William Muraah said tests revealed that they were infected by e-coli bacteria.

Cholera cases have also been reported in Tharaka-Nithi County where two have died and more than 100 treated.