Stem cholera spread
What you need to know:
- The informal settlements are awfully short of drinking water, and have inadequate sanitation. There is, therefore, a high likelihood of the people drinking contaminated water and getting infected.
A cholera epidemic in various parts of the country that has already claimed 16 lives calls for quick action to stem its spread.
Cases of this highly contagious disease were first reported in Migori and Homa Bay, where 14 people have died. But even more alarming are two deaths and eight other people treated in Nairobi.
The outbreak in the city is an ominous sign for the Ministry of Health, where the bulk of its experts are based. Nairobi also has large slums, which provide conditions that favour rapid spread of the disease.
The informal settlements are awfully short of drinking water, and have inadequate sanitation. There is, therefore, a high likelihood of the people drinking contaminated water and getting infected.
Last week, Director of Medical Services Nicholas Muraguri said water treatment chemicals had been sent to the affected areas and a public awareness campaign stepped up.
Besides setting up isolation units, the people are being reminded to drink treated or boiled water and observe good personal hygiene.
Cholera should not pose such a big threat in the 21st century, as it takes pretty little to prevent. It is a primitive disease, in this age when nobody should be told to wash hands after visiting the toilet.
