MINISTRY OF HEALTH
PRESS RELEASE
We wish to draw the attention of the public to the cases of Cholera that have been reported in the Counties of Narok, Kajiado, Nairobi, Garissa and Machakos.
The risk factors identified to be propagating the disease include: scarce/ shortage of safe clean water, and poor sanitation and hygiene practices in isolated high-risk areas.
Conscious of the fact that health is a devolved function and based on the foregoing request for technical support by the affected Counties, the Ministry of Health recognizes that the situation can escalate, the following mitigation measures are being undertaken by the County governments with support from the Ministry of Health:
- National and County multi – disciplinary teams have been dispatched to all affected areas to support in implementing response measures and support technical capacity of counties
- Logistical and material support: The Ministry of Health has distributed Cholera supplies comprising of pharmaceutical, non-pharmaceutical and laboratory diagnostic support to facilitate timely confirmation and effective case management.
- Case Management: Counties reporting new cases have set up Cholera treatment Centres in the affected areas to support timely and appropriate treatment of cases.
- Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization by County health promotion teams.
- Active Surveillance: Contact tracing in households and workplaces, continuous line-listing of cases, and screening is ongoing.
- Strengthening of Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) activities including distribution of Chlorine tablets for household water treatment.
The Ministry urges the affected Counties to advise the public to refer any suspected cases to the nearest health facility or temporary Cholera treatment Centre for assessment and management.
The Ministry wishes to assure the public that with the heightened surveillance and the ongoing intervention measures, the situation is under control.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
Dated: 18th April 2019