Fear grows as cholera cases soar

At least 25 people have been admitted to hospitals in Migori after they exhibited cholera-like symptoms.

Health officials told the Nation that those admitted were from Sori–Karungu beaches in Nyatike Sub-County.

Among the admitted are four people from one family, who have acute diarrhoea and vomiting.

“We are still carrying out tests to establish the disease. Not all cases of diarrhoea and vomiting are cholera,” said the county director of health, Dr Joel Gondi.

“Our investigations revealed that the four family members attended a funeral near Sori beach,” he said.

A man died last week in the area with signs of cholera.

WORST HIT

Migori is one of the worst-hit by cholera since the beginning of the year. The disease claimed more than 10 lives.

In Voi, 12 people have been admitted to Moi Hospital in Taita-Taveta County.

“We are carrying out investigations to establish the nature of disease the patients are suffering from,” said the county director of health, Dr John Logedi.

The 12 are in an isolated ward. The official said it is suspected the residents drank contaminated water from River Voi.

Speaking to the Nation in the ward, one of the patients, Mr Harry Mwaighamba, said residents do not have piped water.

In Nakuru, the county government plans to spend Sh12 million to contain the spread of cholera  that has so far claimed 20 lives. At least 180 people are undergoing treatment at various hospitals.

The head of Cholera Operation,  Dr Ndung’u Wainaina, said the money would be used to repair broken sewers and water pipes to reduce the risk of contamination.

In Naivasha, Medical Officer of Health Oren Ombiro confirmed the first two cholera cases at Kabati and Kihoto, only a day after medical personnel denied reports of any infections.

He said one patient had been treated and was discharged on Saturday evening.

Dr Ombiro said hawking of food had been banned, adding that 18 kiosks had been shut.

CONTAMINATED RIVERS

An outbreak of cholera in Kirinyaga and Embu counties has been blamed on contamination of rivers by owners of commercial buildings.

According to the newly appointed member of the Tana Water Services Board, Mr Mureithi Kang’ara, raw sewage was emptied into the rivers, where residents fetch water for domestic use.

Cholera, which was first reported in Kirinyaga a fortnight ago, has killed two people in Mwea Sub-County, while dozens of others are undergoing treatment in various hospitals. Hawking of food is also banned.

Reported by Elisha Otieno, Lucy Mkanyika, Moraa Obiria, Eric Matara, Macharia Mwangi and George Munene