Cholera outbreak leaves eight dead

Eight people have died from the current cholera outbreak in parts of the country.

The Ministry of Health also reported that 166 people have been treated so far.

Most of the cases have been reported in Migori County (113, with four deaths), followed by Homa Bay (45, with two deaths) and Nairobi (eight, with two deaths).

Director of Medical Services Nicholas Muraguri said in a statement that the ministry attributed the outbreak to the current dry spell, which has caused a shortage of safe drinking water.

Some people drink contaminated water.

To contain the disease, the ministry has distributed water treatment chemicals.

In addition, isolation units have been set up in counties to ensure safe treatment of patients.

HIGH ALERT

“We advise the public to be on high alert and to report any suspected cases of cholera or acute diarrhoea to the nearest health centre.

“They are further advised to drink treated or boiled water. The public should ensure that they observe proper sanitation and personal hygiene, including proper hand washing, before eating food and after visiting the toilet,” says the statement.

The disease Thursday killed a child at Rongo Sub-County Hospital Thursday.

County Health Director Joel Gondi said the child was in a serious condition when he arrived at the hospital.

“Patients should be taken for treatment as soon as they begin showing symptoms of cholera,” said Dr Gondi.

Food sellers in the eight constituencies were going about their business despite a ban by county authorities.

The hawkers protested against the ban and Mrs Nancy Atieno, a mother of four, said selling food was her only source of income.