Kajiado: Kajiado County is on high alert following reports of cholera outbreaks in the neighbouring Narok County. Kajiado County Public Health Director, Samson Saigilu, announced that the County Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) has been placed on alert to strengthen early detection, preparedness, and response measures to prevent a possible spread of the disease.
According to Kenya News Agency, Saigilu revealed that all sub-counties, health facilities, and partners have been directed to enhance surveillance immediately by actively searching for cases presenting with acute watery diarrhoea at both community and facility levels, while ensuring prompt reporting of suspected cases through the proper channels.
Saigilu further instructed health facilities to verify the availability of essential supplies, including Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), IV fluids, rapid cholera diagnostic kits, and cholera treatment commodities. Facilities are also expected to designate and prepare isolation or treatment areas where possible.
In addition, health personnel have been directed to conduct water quality monitoring and chlorination of communal water sources, while intensifying hygiene promotion and public health education, particularly targeting high-risk populations such as food handlers and border communities.
The Public Health Director also urged sub-county officers to activate their local emergency response teams and provide daily situation updates to the County Emergency Operations Centre.
'Let us maintain high vigilance and ensure rapid response to any suspected cases to safeguard our communities from cholera transmission. Contact the County Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) for any alerts or clarification,' said Saigilu.