Four people have died at a dispensary following a cholera outbreak in Marsabit North District.

The patients had been brought to Ilaret Dispensary on Sunday, but by Wednesday morning two adults and young children had succumbed to the disease.

Kenya Red Cross Society Regional Health Officer Abdi Mohamed said more than 40 cholera patients had been admitted since Sunday.

He attributes the outbreak to recent floods and poor hygiene.

Red Cross crew were in an all-out effort distributing drugs and assisting medical personnel in areas where cases had been reported.

The disease has so far killed more than 26 people in one month in the expansive Upper Eastern region.

Rains that pounded the area three weeks ago have left residents suffering from malaria, cholera and diarrhoea.

According to Garbatulla District Medical Officer Nelson Muriu, cholera cases have doubled compared to other diseases.

"We are trying to contain spread of the disease but the hospital has been overwhelmed for lack of enough drugs," said Dr Muriu.

More than 50 patients admitted in the hospital every week either suffer from malaria, cholera-symptoms or acute water diarrhoea due to contamination.

MP Bahari Ali Abdul has urged the Government to improve sanitation saying projected rains are likely to cause immense suffering to residents.

Mr Abdul added: "There is need to increase supply of drugs in disease-prone areas and build more pit latrines ahead of El Nino rains."

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