Cholera,
a highly infectious and potentially fatal disease, has plagued humanity for
centuries, with its earliest documented outbreak dating back to 1854.
While
it is not new, cholera remains a public health threat, particularly in regions
with inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure.
Its transmission through contaminated water
and food, both essential human needs, makes it a formidable opponent, especially
during environmental crises.
Cholera
is a waterborne disease caused by ingesting water or food contaminated with
Vibrio cholerae bacteria.
It manifests as acute diarrheal illness and
can rapidly escalate into an epidemic, especially where sanitation is poor and
clean water is scarce.
In
Kenya, cholera outbreaks have become alarmingly recurrent, exacerbated by
environmental vulnerabilities and infrastructural gaps.
Since
October 2024, cases of cholera and acute diarrheal diseases have been reported
in counties such as Meru, Garissa, Kitui, Narok, Nairobi, Kisumu, and Migori.
To
date, more than 600 cases have been confirmed, with at least nine fatalities, a
case fatality rate of over 6%.
According
to the World Health Organization (WHO), cholera affects 1.3 to 4 million people
globally every year, causing between 21,000 and 143,000 deaths.
Vulnerable
populations, especially malnourished children and individuals living with HIV
face a significantly higher risk of death if infected.
Several
risk factors contribute to cholera outbreaks, but the most pressing in Kenya
right now is widespread flooding.
The
ongoing heavy rains have caused the destruction of sanitation infrastructure,
leading to latrine overflows and mixing of sewage with floodwaters.
These
conditions are ideal for the rapid spread of cholera.
So
far, floods have claimed over 200 lives and displaced more than 200,000 people
across the country.
Informal settlements like Mathare, Kibera,
Mukuru Kwa Reuben, and Marigoini have been hit hardest.
Thousands
have lost homes and access to clean water, now forced into overcrowded
temporary shelters with inadequate sanitation, perfect breeding grounds for
cholera and other waterborne diseases.
The
Ministry of Health, in collaboration with county governments, has mounted a
commendable response.
Measures
include enhanced surveillance, active case search, rapid response deployment,
treatment of confirmed cases, and contact tracing.
Sensitization
campaigns for healthcare workers and the public on water sanitation, hygiene,
and disease prevention are also underway.
However,
gaps remain. Ministry of Health field investigations show that many Kenyans in
and outside cholera hotspots still consume untreated water.
Enforcement of water treatment, safe food
handling, and hygiene practices must be prioritised.
As
citizens, we all have a role to play. Vigilance and proactive hygiene behaviours
are critical.
This
includes: Drinking only safe water, boiled, chlorinated, or bottled. Storing
water in clean, covered containers. Washing hands frequently, especially before
eating, preparing food, or after using the toilet.
Properly disposing of waste, avoiding open defecation, and maintaining clean latrines.
Sanitising food preparation surfaces and utensils regularly.
Handwashing
stations should be installed in public places and stocked with clean water,
soap, or alcohol-based sanitisers.
The
public must also remain cautious in communal settings such as churches,
mosques, eateries, entertainment venues, funerals, and weddings.
In
the long term, cholera prevention hinges on sustainable investments in water,
sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure.
Universal
access to safe water and adequate sanitation must be a national priority. This
will not only control cholera but also prevent other waterborne di…
Dennis Wendo is the Founder, Integrated Development Network – Public Benefits Organisation (PBO)
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
