The County Government of Nakuru has intensified its surveillance systems on cholera epidemiological patterns and trends in the wake of reported cases of the disease.
An alert has already been issued following reported cases of the disease in Nairobi, Kajiado, Machakos, Garissa and Narok counties that has claimed several lives while many more are still on treatment.
A statement issued by the County’s Director of Communications, Beatrice Obwocha says that public health officers have been put on high alert and surveillance boosted in high risk areas.
She urged area residents to exercise caution and ensure they adhere to strict hygiene and especially while handling food.
Though Nakuru County has not reported any Cholera incident, Public Health Chief Officer, Dr. Samuel King’ori said
preparedness was key citing previous outbreak patterns.
He noted that Nakuru’s centrality as a transit town on the northern corridor also increases the risk of cholera
transmission. Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease that can kill within hours if left untreated.
Transmission is still being reported in Machakos, Nairobi, Garissa and Kajiado Counties. Kajiado County has reported a second wave of the outbreak since January 2019 from Ongata Rongai, Kajiado North Sub County.
The County’s public health department has mapped out zones and set up treatment centres as well as creating public awareness.
The department of health services over the Easter holiday issued public notices calling on residents to report any case of diarrhoea, however mild it may appear to health facilities.
Dr. King’ori said all precautionary measures are in place among them activating all health facilities, purchase of drugs and training of community health workers.
The Chief Officer has so far met public health officers from Nakuru Town East, Nakuru Town West and Gilgil for to discuss how to strengthen the county’s capacity to evade cholera outbreak.
Residents have also been urged to seek immediate medical attention in case they display any signs associated with the disease.
Residents interviewed by KNA called for awareness campaigns to be intensified for the sake of public ignorant of the disease and its gravity.
By Jane Ngugi
