Cholera outbreak: Five cases confirmed in Kisumu

By Peter Ochieng

Residents of Kisumu have been urged to exercise high hygiene standards owing to cholera outbreak in the Lakeside County.

Dr. Gregory Ganda, the County Chief Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health and Sanitation on Monday said five cases have been confirmed, with Nyalenda A and Nyalenda B in Kisumu Central being the epicentres.

Ganda said residents should exercise various measures, including washing hands with soap and water before eating or after visiting the toilet, boiling drinking water and avoiding street food in a bid to prevent spread of the disease.

Cholera is a highly contagious bacterial disease.

It causes severe diarrhoea, dehydration and in severe cases, death. It is spread through cntaminated food and water.

The CECM said they are closely monitoring and investigating suspected diarrhoea cases in areas such as Kanyakwar, Kachok, Capital, Mamboleo, Liberton and Kapuothe.

"Residents should seek immediate medical care at the nearest health facility for acute watery diarrhoea and vomiting," he said.

Kisumu is among counties which often experience cholera outbreak.