Alarm in Narok as cholera case confirmed

One cholera case has been confirmed in Narok.

This was revealed during a multi-sectoral cholera management meeting at Narok Referral Hospital. The meeting was aimed at devising strategies to combat the outbreak.

County Director of Health Services Francis Kiio said the first case of cholera was confirmed at the facility after specimens from a patient who was admitted with cholera symptoms tested positive.

Dr Kiio said the patient, who hails from Narok town, was admitted at the referral hospital with cholera-like symptoms and was confirmed positive after samples were taken to National Public Health Laboratory in Nairobi.

He said the patient had travelled to Wajir East where there was an outbreak.

The confirmation of this case now puts Narok County on the list of over 10 counties in the country that are grappling with the disease.

Disinfect houses

Kiio urged residents to observe high standards of hygiene by disinfecting their houses and washing their hands after visiting the toilet to curb the spread of the killer disease.

He said cholera was a dangerous disease caused by bacteria found in fecal matter that causes patients lose water, leading to death within three to four hours of infection if not treated quickly.

He said health personnel have stepped up surveillance and would also carry out health campaigns to educate the public about the disease.

County Public Health Officer Daniel Sironka said with the outbreak being reported in neighbouring Nakuru, Kisii, Migori and Garissa, they were tackling the spread by discouraging open defecation.

He urged the public to take extra caution while handling food and to observe high hygienic standards.