A cholera outbreak in Kisumu County has left three people dead, prompting health officials and local authorities to take urgent measures to prevent further spread. The fatalities were reported in Nyando Sub-County, where cases of acute diarrhea have raised alarm among residents and health experts. The deceased include a one-year-old child from Kakmie village and two siblings, a 25-year-old man and a 13-year-old girl, from Kobong’o village in Onjiko location. Their deaths have underscored the severity of the crisis and the urgent need for intervention.
Health officials believe that contaminated water and poor sanitation are the primary drivers of the outbreak. Many residents in the affected areas rely on unsafe water sources, increasing their vulnerability to waterborne diseases. The lack of proper waste disposal and sanitation facilities has further exacerbated the situation, creating an environment conducive to the rapid spread of cholera. Health authorities fear that without immediate action, more lives could be lost.
In response, the Ministry of Health (MOH), in collaboration with the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), has put emergency measures in place to contain the outbreak. Public health officials have launched awareness campaigns to educate residents on hygiene and sanitation practices that can help prevent the spread of the disease. Water treatment initiatives have also been introduced to ensure that households have access to clean drinking water.
On Wednesday morning, Nyando Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Elijah Maranga led a multi-sectoral team in a public sensitization forum aimed at encouraging better hygiene practices among residents. Addressing the community, Maranga emphasized the importance of sanitation, particularly in areas where open defecation is still prevalent. He urged families, religious institutions, and public facilities to construct and maintain proper pit latrines to minimize the risk of disease transmission.
Nyando Sub-County Community Health Focal Person, Ruth Ojuka, raised concerns about the widespread lack of access to sanitary facilities. According to a recent assessment, only 37 out of 106 households in Kogola village had access to safe and hygienic toilets, leaving a significant portion of the population vulnerable to infection. Ojuka stressed the need for collective action to improve sanitation in order to prevent future outbreaks.
Philip Adingo, a Public Health Officer at the Ministry of Health, advised residents to be vigilant and seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as severe diarrhea or dehydration. He urged people to boil or treat drinking water, practice proper handwashing, and follow Ministry of Health guidelines to reduce their risk of contracting cholera. The local government is also working on improving water supply infrastructure to ensure that residents have access to safe and clean water.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation, they are also mobilizing resources to strengthen healthcare services in affected areas. Public health teams have been dispatched to provide treatment and contain potential new cases. The government has assured residents that it is committed to preventing further fatalities and mitigating the impact of the outbreak. However, officials warn that the success of these efforts depends on the cooperation of the community in adhering to recommended health measures.
With the region facing ongoing public health challenges, residents and officials alike are hoping that sustained efforts in sanitation, education, and emergency response will help curb the spread of cholera and protect the community from future outbreaks.
