Migori health workers on alert after cholera death

Health workers in Migori County have launched a contact tracing campaign to contain the spread of cholera in the area, which has so far killed one person.

The exercise, which has so far identified two more cases in Remo God Boya C and Remo villages, aims to isolate and treat those who may have been exposed to the deadly bacteria in order to break the chain of transmission.

The county's Director of Public Health and Sanitation, Clement Ayungo, revealed on Tuesday that health workers were tracing the intricate web of contacts that could spread the disease.

"Our priority is to identify every person who may have been in contact with those who tested positive. Each interaction, every shared meal, every communal water source is a potential pathway for the spread of the disease," he said.

Mr Ayungo was speaking after a site visit to monitor the progress and management of patients at Ogwedhi Health Centre.

"The clinicians have done an excellent job in ensuring that the affected patients receive the highest standard of care," he said, as he urged community members to cooperate.

"This is not just a job for the Health Department, it's a collective responsibility. I appeal to residents to be open and honest with health workers and provide accurate information about their movements and interactions," he added.

People identified through contact tracing are placed on Directly Observed Treatment (DOT), a rigorous approach designed to minimise the risk of transmission and ensure adherence to medication.

The county has also launched a community sensitisation programme to educate residents about the importance of contact tracing and the need to report suspected cases.

Among other measures, the county has taken immediate steps to disinfect areas that may be at risk and to treat local water sources to make them safe for consumption.

As the devolved unit steps up its response, residents have been urged to practice strict hygiene and report any suspected cases of cholera without delay.

Twenty-year-old Raphael Mwita, who died at Mother Sovereign Hospital last month, is believed to have travelled from neighbouring Tanzania before showing symptoms of cholera.

Out of 25 people tested following contact tracing in Sakuri village in Kuria East sub-County, three were confirmed positive by rapid diagnostic tests.

vraballa@ke.nationmedia.com