Cholera alert issued in Homa Bay County as several cases confirmed
Homa Bay County in Kenya has declared a cholera alert following the confirmation of several cases of the disease in the area.
In a statement, County Executive Committee Member for Public Health and Medical Services, Roselynn Omolloh, said the outbreak was first reported at the Marindi Sub County Hospital on January 5, 2023, with five members of one family being treated and discharged.
As of the latest report, three patients are currently being treated at the County Referral Hospital. The origin of the outbreak has been traced back to Achungo Village in Homa Bay Sub County.
In response to the outbreak, the County’s Department of Medical Services has taken several measures to mitigate the spread of the disease.
A cholera alert has been issued to all sub-county facilities, outlining the necessary steps to be taken in response to the outbreak. The County’s Outbreak Management teams have also been activated and are on standby to respond to any further cases.
In addition, the County has implemented follow-up measures at the household level to ensure proper containment procedures are in place.
“We are taking the necessary steps to isolate and manage any patients who will seek services at any of our facilities,” said Omolloh. “We are also working to educate the community on the importance of proper hygiene and sanitation to prevent the spread of cholera.”
All health facilities in the County are also on alert for case management, and community sensitization efforts are ongoing.
The public has been advised to seek medical treatment if they experience any symptoms of watery diarrhea and vomiting.