Fears of spread as cholera cases in Gilgil hit 20

A public health officer (left) takes a member of the public through the process of treating water after fresh cases of cholera were reported in Naivasha town. (Photo: Antony Gitonga/Standard)

Health officers have confirmed 20 cholera cases in Kasarani trading centre of Gilgil sub-county.

143 other cases have been treated with cholera-like symptoms, as the officers moved in to contain the outbreak in the estate that is home to tens of flower farm workers.

According to investigations, between November 24 when the first case was reported and December 28 over 143 cases had been line-listed with cholera-like-symptoms.

Another 20 cases all from the nearby sprawling Kosovo village in Kasarani were confirmed as positive after tests. A source said the situation could get out of hand or spread to the neighbouring towns if no quick action was taken.

"In the one month period, 20 cases have been confirmed as positive and they have been treated and discharged apart from two," said the health worker.

The health worker added that two patients were still admitted at the Kasarani cholera center; but were in stable condition.

"The 143 cases were mainly relatives of the 20 confirmed cases, and they had cholera symptoms but they have since been treated," said the source.

County Public Health Officer Samuel King'ori, however, downplayed the outbreak saying it had been contained.

He said the last two patients at the centre would be released from hospital anytime, and praised health workers in the affected region for moving fast to contain the outbreak.

"The affected estate has a very high number of workers, and the situation was worsened by heavy rains pounding the region," he said.

Dr King'ori blamed the poor hygiene and sanitation for the outbreak.

A local leader James Ochido expressed concern over the high number of cases in the estate and said the regular outbreaks would be contained by addressing the issue of water and sanitation.

"There is need to address the issue of solid and human waste management in the affected areas, as one way of addressing the outbreak," he said.

He said for years, the estate had been neglected by both the national and county governments mainly in terms of infrastructure.