Nairobi: The Ministry of Health (MOH), in collaboration with the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), has activated contingency measures to prevent the outbreak and spread of cholera in Nyando Sub-County, Kisumu County. Nyando Deputy County Commissioner Elijah Maranga led a multi-sectoral team in a public sensitization forum as part of efforts to combat cholera in the flood-prone sub-county.
According to Kenya News Agency, the move follows reports of three deaths, suspected to have resulted from acute profuse diarrhea, prompting authorities to strengthen surveillance and prevent a potential cholera outbreak. The deceased include a one-year-old child from Kakmie village and two siblings from Kobong'o village in Onjiko location. All succumbed after a short illness, exhibiting similar symptoms.
Elijah Maranga emphasized that the main cause of diarrhea in the region is the consumption of contaminated water due to rampant open defecation. He urged the community to build pit latrines in every home, church, and public space to avoid a public health crisis.
Ruth Ojuka, Nyando Sub-County Community Health Focal person, expressed concern over the lack of safely managed sanitation, noting that the majority still practice open defecation. She revealed that a recent transect walk in Kogola and Kowino villages showed that only 37 out of 106 households in Kogola had access to safe and hygienic toilets.
The absence of proper toilets forces locals to defecate outside, posing a significant public health concern. Philip Adingo, Public Health Officer at MOH, urged community members to take their loved ones to health facilities immediately if they experience diarrhea symptoms. He also encouraged locals to treat water before drinking, maintain high standards of cleanliness, and adhere to Ministry of Health guidelines, including regular hand washing.