The Nakuru County Public Health Officer, Dr. Samuel King’ori says three suspected cases of cholera that were reported have been treated and discharged even as he called on members of the public to exercise caution in handling food.
He said that two of them who had earlier tested positive following a rapid test were cleared while the other one tested positive for cholera and was put on treatment.
King’ori said that the three had attended a social function out of the County where they could have been exposed to the cholera germs.
He said that his office and its officers had been placed on high alert and were undertaking surveillance to ensure there were no further incidences in the County.
He assured residents that there were enough drugs and disinfectants to counter any other cases that may be identified. Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease that can kill within hours if left untreated.
He further urged residents to avoid consuming food sold in open places and fruits that have not been washed well.
Dr. King’ori noted that Nakuru’s centrality as a transit town on the northern corridor also increased the risk of cholera transmission.
Transmission is still active in several parts of the country leading to intensified surveillance. Already, a number of cholera related deaths have been reported.
The County’s Public Health Department has mapped out zones and set up treatment centres as well as creating public awareness. They include the Nakuru Level
Five Hospital, Langa Langa, Mogotio and Naivasha hospitals as well as the St. Mary’s hospital in Gilgil as some of the facilities where isolated treatment centres have been set up.
Following the reported cholera cases, public health officers have recommended the immediate suspension of hawked foodstuffs to forestall spread of the disease.
They further recommended the banning of cooking food in the open.
The public health officers were speaking during a public meeting organized by Lanet Assistant County Commissioner, Elijah Mutemi at Free Area.
Dr. King’ori has so far met public health officers from Nakuru Town East, Nakuru Town West and Gilgil for technical exchange and cooperation to strengthen the county’s capacity on cholera control.
Residents have also been urged to seek immediate medical attention in case they display any signs associated with the disease.
By Jane Ngugi
