- Cholera, a highly contagious waterborne disease, poses a significant public health risk, particularly in areas where sanitation has been compromised.
- The Ministry of Health stated that the destruction of sanitation facilities has created a breeding ground for the rapid transmission of the disease.
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The Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of waterborne diseases especially Cholera and diarrhoea amid heavy rains.
In a statement on Friday, Public Health PS Mary Muthoni said the first case was reported in Tana River.
"Despite our successful control efforts, the ongoing heavy rains and flooding have led to a confirmed case of cholera reported on April 26," she said.
Muthoni said the single case is significant, as it amounted to an outbreak.
"Waterborne diseases such as Cholera are indeed severe, but they are also preventable. It is crucial to understand that early detection and prompt medical attention can make a significant difference, potentially saving lives," she said.
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine.
People can get sick when they swallow food or water contaminated with cholera bacteria.
The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can sometimes be severe and life-threatening.
Muthoni further said there was an outbreak of diarrhoea in Marasabit.
"Several risk factors have contributed to the spread of this deadly disease. The main one is the destruction of sanitation facilities during these long rains, resulting in the collapse of latrines and the filling of latrines with flood water," she said.
This, she said, mixes water sources with faecal matter.
"Congestion in rescue camps with limited sanitation facilities, inadequate water sanitation and hygiene facilities, and the consumption of untreated water are likely to worsen the situation," she said.
She said they are working with multi-agency teams in all affected areas to ensure control of cholera and other waterborne diseases.
This will be done through issuing continuous advisories and provision of cholera contingency supplies to assist in the management of patients.
"Distribution of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Supplies to help purify water sources and treat household water in all high-risk areas and rescue camps," she said.
"Strengthening community health education and engagement activities to address risk factors and promote healthy practices, such as treating water before use and using community health promoters."
She urged Kenyans to seek immediate help if they experience any Cholera symptoms.
The symptoms are profuse watery diarrhoea, sometimes described as 'rice-water stools', vomiting, thirst, leg cramps and restlessness or irritability
"If you notice any signs or symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting, please seek immediate treatment or contact the National Public Health Emergency Operation Centre at 0729 47 14 14, 0732 35 35 35, or 719," she said.