High alert as Cholera breaks out in parts of Homa Bay County

Homa Bay, Monday May 22, 2023

K.N.A By Davis Langat

At least 25 people have been confirmed to have contracted cholera disease in Suba South constituency of Homa Bay County.

Health Chief Officer Kevin Osuri said that the 25 people were diagnosed with the disease over the past three days in Sindo town.

He said 21 patients are still undertaking medication at Sindo Sub County Hospital after they contracted the disease majority of them from Wadiang’a beach

He said four people were treated and discharged on Saturday evening.

Osuri said there is a need for residents to maintain personal hygiene to prevent further spread of the disease.

Alerts have been issued to all sub county health facilities with information on how patients with the disease symptoms should be handled.

“The department has confirmed 25 cases of cholera in Sindo town. The patients are responding well to medication but we ask residents to maintain cleanliness and curb the spread of the disease,” Osuri said.

Speaking to the press in Homa Bay town, Osuri asked residents to be alert and ensure they report people with symptoms of the disease.

"Members of the public exhibiting diarrhea and vomiting symptoms are asked to seek medical attention as soon as possible," he said.

Osuri said they have already dispatched a multi-agency team to contain further spread of cholera in the area.

Signs of cholera are watery diarrhea and vomiting. Some patients may also have high body temperature.

The health department has activated follow up of cases up to household level and ensured correct containment measures are in place for mitigation.

“Cholera can be fatal and patients are encouraged to seek medications as fast as possible,” he said.

Osuri said isolation tents would be set up for handling patients with the disease.

Courtesy K.N.A