Four people have been confirmed dead, and more than 30 others are receiving treatment in various hospitals in Narok County following a cholera outbreak.
Narok County Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health Services, Lucy Kashu, confirmed the outbreak in Kilgoris Central, Shankoe, and Lolgorian wards in Trans Mara West and South sub-counties.
The first suspected cases were reported on September 29 at the Trans Mara West Sub-County Hospital, where eight patients were admitted with acute watery diarrhoea.
Tests conducted at the Trans Mara West Sub-County Hospital and the Walter Reed Kericho Laboratory confirmed cholera infection on October 3.
“As of Friday, 12 patients — five men, five women, and two children — were still admitted, while 15 others had been treated and discharged,” Ms Kashu said.
The deaths involved three adults and one child from Migingo, Majengo, and Oldonyo Rasha villages.
“The county has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and deployed rapid response teams to the affected areas,” said Ms Kashu.
She added that a temporary cholera treatment unit has been established at the Trans Mara West Sub-County Hospital as part of efforts to contain the spread.
Health officials have intensified surveillance, community sensitisation, and water treatment campaigns, working closely with Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) partners to improve access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
“Cholera spreads rapidly in areas with poor sanitation and unsafe water. We urge residents to maintain high hygiene standards, treat drinking water, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms,” Ms Kashu said.
The county government has appealed for public cooperation as it scales up emergency response, risk communication, and laboratory support in coordination with the national Ministry of Health and other partners.
The official also urged locals to report any suspected cases of diarrhoea and vomiting to health authorities immediately.
“Anyone experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting should rush to the nearest health facility and report,” she advised.
Health authorities are also considering banning food hawking in nearby shopping centres to help prevent the spread of the highly contagious disease.
