- The total number of cases since the outbreak of the disease stands at 13; Butiye (1), Sessi (1), Ethiopia (4), Lami (1), Heilu (2), Yaballo (2), Sololo (1) and Dabel (1).
- Galmo said public health intervention measures have been put in place to contain the spread.
Image: ABDIKADIR CHARI
Three people have died following a cholera outbreak in Marsabit county.
Four others are admitted to the health facilities.
Marsabit County Health Executive Services Grace Galmo urged members of the public to stop ignoring the guidelines that have been put in place by the ministry.
"We have issued guidelines that we expect residents to strictly adhere to. What will help in containing the spread of the disease is improved hygiene," she said
She was speaking to the press on Friday while giving a brief of the current situation since the highly contagious disease was first reported 3 weeks ago.
The total number of cases since the outbreak of the disease stands at 13; Butiye (1), Sessi (1), Ethiopia (4), Lami (1), Heilu (2), Yaballo (2), Sololo (1) and Dabel (1).
Galmo said public health intervention measures have been put in place to contain the spread.
The measures include disinfection of the affected areas and soiled materials activation of the rapid response team at Sololo, holding daily meetings at the DCC office Sololo and inspection of the temporary isolation ward at Sololo mission hospital.
She announced that the health facilities across the county have adequate amounts of fluids and antibiotics to address the disease.
She said the patients admitted to the hospital were in stable condition adding that the health facilities were well-equipped to handle the situation.
Galmo said food hawking in Moyale and Sololo sub-county has been suspended following the outbreak.
" It is further directed that no cooking of food in the streets or roadsides. All food premises must comply with stipulated health regulations," she said
She asked residents experiencing diarrhoea and vomiting to visit the nearest health facility for diagnosis.
Acting chief officer Health Tache Elema said the ministry was on high alert to curb the spread of the disease.
He said alerts have been issued to all sub-county health facilities with information on how patients with the disease symptoms should be handled when they seek medication at the facility.
All sub-county outbreak management teams have been activated and are on standby to respond to any cases.
He said the department has also activated follow-up cases up to the household levels and ensured correct containment measures are in place for mitigation.
Tache called on members of the public to observe high standards of hygiene to avert the further spread of the disease.
"The county health department surveillance team has been put on high alert. Moyale and Sololo sub-counties have been given more attention due to proximity to the detected cases," he said
He cautioned members of the public against eating from unhygienic eateries and consuming fruits and vegetables that have not been washed properly.
"Cholera is easily and widely spread. The only containment is hygienic and everyone has the responsibility of curbing the killer disease," he advised.