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Cholera cases rise to 70 as death toll hits six
Health officials are on high alert following a cholera outbreak.
The total number of people now affected by cholera in the country has hit 70, with one more person losing their life, raising the total number of deaths in the country to six. This is according to the latest report by the Ministry of Health.
Out of the two additional cases, one was reported in Nairobi County, while the additional death was recorded in Migori County.
Within the past 24 hours, the Ministry of Health has also established that a four-year-old female toddler from Kibra was the first confirmed case of cholera in the county. The toddler's case was first reported on March 14.
The child lives in Gatwekera village, Sarangombe Ward, in Kibra Sub-county.
“No death has been reported in Nairobi over the last 24 hours. The total number of deaths reported since the beginning of the outbreak is one. No referrals have been made,” said the MOH statement.
The sub-counties that have reported cases are Roysambu (1), Kasarani (1), Kibra (2), Dagoretti South (2), Embakasi Central (1), and Embakasi East (1). Mama Lucy Kibaki and Mbagathi hospitals are conducting cholera cultures. The index case was reported on March 14,” added the statement.
“Migori still accounts for the highest number of cases at 43, with the additional death raising the death toll to two. The outbreak in Migori has affected four sub-counties, with Kuria East reporting the highest burden at 21 cases, followed by Kuria West with 16 cases, while Suna West and Suna East have each reported three cases. Key cholera hotspots in Migori include Sakuri B village in Kuria East and Namba village in Kuria West,” the ministry said.
In Kisumu County, the total number of cases remains at 15, with nine females and six males affected.
Out of these, 13 cases were recorded in Nyando sub-County, two from Muhoroni Sub-county, and one suspected case from Kajulu Ward is under investigation.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) says it has strengthened surveillance efforts by stepping up case detection, contact tracing, issuing daily situation reports, and deploying rapid response teams at both national and county levels.
Additionally, the ministry is training healthcare workers and educating communities on disease prevention measures, including maintaining high hygiene standards, treating water, and disinfecting homes.
The ministry also notes that individuals who have been in close contact with confirmed cases are being closely monitored and treated to prevent further spread of the disease.
“The Kenyan Ministry of Health, in collaboration with various partners, is working diligently to address the cholera outbreak in the country. The public is urged to remain vigilant, adhere to health guidelines, and report any symptoms promptly to healthcare authorities. The MOH remains committed to updating the public with any new developments and further mitigation strategies as the situation evolves,” says MOH.
mchelangat@ke.nationmedia.com
