Six dead as Kisumu, Migori and Nairobi battle cholera outbreak

Cholera Illustration

Six people have died as a result of a cholera outbreak in Migori, Kisumu and Nairobi counties.

Health CS Adan Duale in a statement on Tuesday said four people had died in Kisumu and one each in Migori and Nairobi.

According to the Ministry of Health, a total of 97 cases have been reported in the three counties as of April 6, 2025, with a Case Fatality Rate of 6.2 per cent.

The Ministry, in collaboration with County Governments, is undertaking active case search, contact tracing and rapid response deployment at both national and county levels," Duale said.

According to the ministry data, Kisumu has so far recorded 32 cases in the subcounties of Nyando and Muhoroni.

Migori has the highest number of recorded cases at 53 cases which were reported in Suna East and West and Kuria East and West regions.

Nairobi has reported 12 cases with the affected subcounties being Kasarani, Embakasi East, Embakasi Central, Roysambu, Kibra and Dagoretti South.

Duale said as part of the response measures, it is also undertaking water hygiene and sanitation measures such as household water treatment, and food safety measures following field investigations revealing consumption of untreated water.

"The ministry in collaboration with counties is undertaking testing of suspected cases, treatment of confirmed cases and prophylaxis for close contacts."

The ministry has advised the public to adhere to various hygiene measures such as ensuring frequent washing of hands with clean water and soap.

The ministry has also advised against open defecation and drinking untreated water from open sources such as rivers and lakes.

Cholera is a highly infectious waterborne disease caused by a bacteria known as Vibrio Cholera.

The disease is contracted through consumption of food or water contaminated with the bacteria.

Symptoms include sudden onset of severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, muscle cramps and severe dehydration.

"Cholera can cause rapid dehydration and death. At the first signs of diarrhea, start taking Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and seek immediate medical care from the nearest health facility," Duale said.

Cholera is a deadly disease that can cause rapid dehydration and potentially death if left untreated hence prompt medical attention is required.