Two people die from cholera in Kisumu

By Peter Ochieng

Two people have succumbed following a cholera outbreak in Kisumu County.

The two were among others admitted at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Refferal Hospital (JOOTRH) for treatment.

According to Dr. Gregory Ganda, Kisumu County Chief Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health and Sanitation, seven people are still admitted at the health facility.

He said the number of suspected cases has passed the 50 mark.

On Monday, Ganda confirmed five cases of the disease, terming Nyalenda A and Nyalenda B as the epicentres.

He said they were monitoring the situation in several areas, among them Kanyakwar, Kachok, Capital, Mamboleo, Liberton and Kapuothe.

The CECM urged residents of the Lakeside County to exercise high hygiene standards, to prevent spread of the disease.

Hygiene measures include washing hands with soap after coming from the toilet, and before eating.

Cholera is a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes severe diarrhoea, dehydration and in severe cases, death.

The bacteria is spread through contaminated water and food.