Three minors have been admitted with cholera in Naivasha following an outbreak at Kihoto estate near the lake.
Medics are concerned that the numbers could rise due to heavy rains that have resulted in flooding almost daily.
In Kihoto estate, some shallow latrines are located near wells.
For years, the estate that is home to hundreds of flower farm workers has recorded cholera cases that have been linked to the proximity of the wells to the latrines.
Dr Angeline Ithondeka, the superintendent in charged of Naivasha sub-county hospital, said the children were
in serious but stable condition.
“These are the first cases of cholera we have recorded this year. We are on high alert as the rains could cause the disease to spread further."
Naivasha sub-county commissioner Isaac Masinde said the area's cholera response team had been activated.
The team visited affected areas
and issued water treatment tablets to residents, disinfected homes and embarked on a public awareness campaign.
Masinde cited the water issue in Kihoto and Karagita estates as the major challenge and cause of the outbreak every year.
“Residents of the two estates rely on the water from the shallow wells," he said.
Traders in the
lakeside town asked the county to urgently address the issue of drainage.
Antony Rebo said rains prevent access to some of the towns yet there has been no solution for years.
“The slightest rain in Naivasha leads to flooding. We are worried that with the heavy rains things could get worse," he said.
In Garissa county,
two people died from cholera in Balambala sub-county while another three succumbed in Saka.
Waorkers cannot reach residents to determine the scale of the outbreak due to impassable roads.
In Murang'a county, two people died while more than 40 were admitted after a suspected cholera outbreak in Nyaga village, Gatanga.
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