Authorities race to contain Cholera Outbreak in Gatundu

Kiambu, Monday May 22, 2023

K.N.A By Emmanuel Mulei

Eight individuals in Gatundu Kiambu County have fallen victim to the cholera outbreak that has been experienced in various parts of the country.

 The local authorities are now racing against time to contain the spread of the disease and urgent measures have been put in place to safeguard public health and prevent further cases.

Dr Elias Maina Mbuthia, the County Executive Committee Member for Health has confirmed the outbreak and assured that prompt action was being taken upon receiving the reports.

 "Immediately the cases were reported, we took action and right from the beginning we were able to locate where the contamination took place, and the site has been secured," stated Dr. Maina.

 Dr Maina further said that the County Government is implementing measures to ensure residents have access to clean and fresh water.

“We are supplying clean and fresh water to the residents. We are also doing case follow-up, contact tracing, and home visits, mapping the hotspots, and collecting water and food samples for laboratory tests," added Dr Maina.

He urged residents to ensure that they maintain cleanliness and proper hygiene in order for them to also help reduce these cases of cholera.

He also confirmed that community health promoters are also helping the residents and educating them on matters hygiene.

“Hygiene is the most important thing, and that is what our community health promoters are doing, encouraging people to wash their hands with clean water and soap”, he said.

Dr Jane Mwangi, the Chief Medical Officer of Kiambu County Hospital, emphasized on the importance of vigilance and urged residents to take necessary precautions.

She stressed the significance of practicing good hygiene, including thorough handwashing with soap and the consumption of clean, properly cooked food.

Dr Mwangi advised residents to further drink only boiled or treated water while avoiding open water sources that may be contaminated.

The Kiambu County Department of Health has mobilized its resources swiftly to launch a comprehensive response to the outbreak.

 Emergency medical teams have been dispatched to affected areas to provide medical care and educate residents on preventive measures.

 Extensive contact tracing efforts are also underway to identify and monitor individuals who may have come into contact with the infected patients while residents are also being encouraged and advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms related to cholera.

The cholera outbreak in Gatundu has prompted a swift and coordinated response from authorities and the community considering Kiambu County has been the epicenter of the infection after it was first reported in January following a wedding in the Limuru area.

By the end of March 2023, the ministry of health confirmed at least 7,800 cases and 122 deaths across the country.

Courtesy K.N.A