Suspected cholera outbreak stirs panic in Narok

Nine more patients were on Thursday admitted to Narok County Referral Hospital following a suspected cholera outbreak that has claimed two lives. 

The victims bring the number of patients receiving treatment at the  hospital to 26, two days after the outbreak was reported in Enookasuria and Olenguluo villages in Narok South Sub-County.

Narok County Health minister Vivian Mpeti said health officials at the hospital received many patients who had diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms.

The county health official said specimens will be taken to the government chemist for further analysis.

Ms Mpeti said 17 patients, who were admitted to hospital on Monday, are in stable condition.

“We are managing the situation well because we have enough drugs, and personnel,” she said.

Ms Mpeti said a response team comprising of public health officers and nurses have been dispatched to the affected villages to investigate the source and quality of water as well as the food being consumed by locals for further action.

“We are carrying out tests on water and food on the ground to know the cause of the outbreak, if it is contaminated water or food poisoning,” said Ms Mpeti.

The health executive urged the county residents to observe high standards of hygiene to combat the disease.

She said the patients were isolated because the disease is highly contagious.

In 2017, cholera fears gripped Narok Boys High school after over 40 students were treated for diarrhoea and vomiting, symptoms.