4 Dead, 40 Receiving Treatment As Cholera Outbreak Rocks Migori

• Cholera has claimed the lives of four people in Migori county with the administration indicating it was on high alert
• At least 40 other people have been diagnosed with the disease since the first three cases were reported early in the month
• Residents blamed the situation on water shortage and called on the administration to improve supply of the important commodity
• County health officials also noted that illicit brew dens were contributing to the spread of the disease due to poor hygiene

Four people have died, and at least 40 others are receiving treatment in various health facilities as the cholera outbreak persists in Migori county.

Cholera outbreak in Migori

Earlier in the month, the county administration issued directives to contain the outbreak of the waterborne bacterial infection.

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Migori County Executive Committee (CEC) Member in Charge of Health confirmed that the disease had claimed four lives and that 40 other residents were receiving treatment in hospital or after being discharged from health centres.

"We are saddened to announce that we have lost four patients who had contracted the disease. At least 40 people were diagnosed with the disease and have been on treatment across health facilities," Nyerere said.

According to the executive officer, there was one cholera patient at the Migori Referral Hospital after five others had been discharged. Other patients were receiving treatment in hospitals spread across the county.

Cholera deaths in Migori

"The last death recorded happened last week. The casualty was from Kehancha town and had come to hospital when the symptoms had escalated. Health officers' efforts to save his life did not bear fruit," added Nyerere.

Nyerere was concerned that the other three casualties also reported to hospital late and urged the public to urgently show up in health centres immediately they experience diarrhoea and vomiting.

The deaths have sparked panic among the public with the government acknowledging that it was on high alert.

“We are on high alert and we are keen to ensure the disease does not spread further. There are however, cases where patients manifested symptoms that include diarrhoea but on assessment they did not have cholera," he said.

What are cholera symptoms?

He said the most affected places are informal sections of urban centres and mining areas like Nyatike sub-county, Osiri Matanda, Oruba estate in Suna West sub-county and parts of Kuria West.

“High cases have been also reported among those taking illicit brews. Currently, the county is distributing water disinfection chemicals to ensure the locals take clean and safe water. We are also doing contract tracing to avert further spread," the official disclosed.

He expressed optimism that they had not recorded a single re-infection case since the disease was reported.

He said they have called on those handling food to maintain a high standard of hygiene and emphasised on usage of pit latrines.

Elly Otieno a brother of one of the deceased Raymond Otieno, told TUKO.co.ke that he lost his sibling within 24 hours of manifesting symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting.

"To date I am still in denial of my brothers death because it happened so fast. I wish we had responded much faster than we did because maybe we could have saved his life," Elly narrated.

The county official indicated that the county was increasing awareness creation about the disease to ensure the public responds promptly and avert more deaths due to late presentation to hospital.

Water shortage in Migori

Elsewhere, the residents of Migori blamed the county government for the escalating spread of the disease, saying the administration had done little to enhance hygiene levels.

"Lack of enough water make it difficult to attain commendable hygiene levels in food selling points and food markets. The county needs to deliberately address the water shortage issue," Omondi said.

Area Governor Ochillo Ayacko has nonetheless increased efforts to improve water supply in different parts of the county.

Ayacko recently commissioned clean water points valued at over KSh 21 million in different parts of Nyatike sub-county in a bid to increase access to the important commodity and help contain cholera and other waterborne disease outbreaks.