New Cholera Cases Reported in Nairobi County

14 cholera cases reported

Nairobi County Director of Health Dr. Lucina Koyio, in a public statement, confirmed that the county is experiencing a wave of cholera outbreak which was confirmed on 20th March 2019.

She requested all referral hospitals to reactivate their cholera treatment units to prevent the spread of the disease and all sub-counties to be on high alert and treat all suspected cases as cholera.

Over 10 cases of cholera have been recorded in Nairobi since the outbreak of the disease was reported. Appearing before the Nairobi County Assembly Health Committee, Dr. Makodingo explained that last week, Pumwani Maternity Hospital recorded six cases with patients who were admitted coming from various parts of the capital. Four patients came from Imara Daima and Embakasi while the other two were from Eastleigh and Ruai.

“ When the patients were admitted, doctors carried out tests to ascertain if they were suffering from cholera. The tests were positive. The patients were isolated and treatment started immediately. I can confirm that 14 cases of cholera have been reported in various health facilities with some of the patients having being treated and discharged,” he said.

The county health department has swept in swiftly to curb the spread of the disease. It has distributed chlorine tablets to areas affected by Cholera. The department has given antibiotics to those prone to cholera to reduce the spead of the disease. It has given out 50,000 antibiotic tablets.

“We urge residents to take preventive measures including treating their water, cooking and washing food properly as well as properly washing their hands to avoid cases of cholera especially now that there is a water shortage,” he added.

Dr. Makodingo further noted that the county is liaising with the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company to super-chlorinate its water as well as establishing cholera treatment units in all health facilities and will thoroughly inspect all city food joints which are among the primary source of cholera.