After a sudden onset in watery diarrhoea cases in Kombewa Sub-County, Kisumu County Public Health officials are on high alert.
Three patients with watery diarrhea and abdominal pain symptoms were admitted to Kombewa County Hospital.
Kisumu County Executive Committee member (CECM), in charge Medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation Dr. Gregory Ganda called to calm, stating that samples from the patients had confirmed there was no cholera outbreak.
“We have now confirmed that these cases were due to other infectious agents and not cholera as earlier suspected,” he said.
He said that a response team has been formed to assess the situation, and then come up with appropriate response activities.
He listed as one of the activities the collection of water samples from affected areas and testing at communal watering points.
“Since diarrhoeal diseases are due to transmission of infectious agents from contaminated food and water the department is responding to this outbreak and analysing possible causes,” he said.
He added that all communal water points in the affected areas will be treated to prevent the disease from spreading further.
He explained that an active case search was being conducted at the community level, asking anyone suffering from diarrhoea to visit the nearest health facility.
Dr. Ganda also asked the public for strict hygiene and food hygiene to prevent the spread of the disease.
“The department is also making arrangements to have water treatment tablets available for members of the affected community at the nearest health facilities,” he said.
Meanwhile The Ministry of Health (MOH) led by Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Wafula has flagged off health equipment aimed at controlling the cholera outbreak that has affected some parts of the country.
The CS noted that Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kajiado, Murang’a, Machakos, Garissa, Meru, Nyeri, Wajir, Tana River, Kitui and Homa Bay are among the counties affected according to the health statistics.
She nevertheless stated that the government has been able to control the outbreak in Kajiado, Murang’a, Nyeri and Uasin Gishu.
“As of today, Kenya has reported 4,186 cases of cholera and 78 deaths as a result of the infection caused by inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities,” said Wafula.
During the flagging off equipment at Afya Palace grounds, CS disclosed that the country has a National Multispectral Cholera Elimination Plan. This plan prioritizes hotspots based sanitation and hygiene indicators.
Wafula stated that the plan follows the whole government and society approach for Cholera control. It aims to provide Oral Cholera Vaccine, Water quality control and Food Safety.
Josephine Mburu, State Department for Public Health Principal Secretary (PS), stated that MOH was quick to respond by bringing in as many stakeholders to help fight the outbreak.
“Some of the Stakeholders and partners including Germany and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), have contributed in technical assistance in the area of training, strategic deployment, medical countermeasures such as vaccines and other commodities,” Mburu disclosed.
She also said that UNICEF provided supplies to the government, including treatment chemicals, water tanks for storage, soap, and hygiene kits.
Both the PS and the CS urged citizens to report to the nearest health facility if they see someone with severe dehydration or acute watery diarrhea.
The Ministry of Health has asked the public to get involved in fighting Cholera. This includes drinking treated water, eating well-cooked food, and maintaining high hygiene.
By KNA Team
Source: kenyanews
