Four people have died, and 20 others have been infected following a cholera outbreak in Narok County. According to County Health Chief Officer Lucy Kashu, the disease has severely affected three wards in Trans Mara West and South Sub-Counties Kilgoris, Shankoe, and Lorgorian.
Kashu confirmed that 31 cases of the disease have been reported so far, with Kilgoris town being among the worst-hit areas. To contain the outbreak, the Narok County Health Department has directed the immediate suspension of hotel operations and all food hawking activities in affected regions.
“Because of the danger presented by the disease, all hotel and food hawking operations in Kilgoris town should stop until the disease is eliminated,” said Kashu.
She added that individuals wishing to hawk food will now be required to seek special permission from the Narok County government. The move aims to reduce the risk of further contamination and prevent new infections.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. It leads to severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and dehydration and can be fatal within hours if untreated. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cholera causes between 1.3 and 4.0 million cases and up to 143,000 deaths globally each year.
The Narok County government has launched an intensive public health campaign to raise awareness about cholera prevention. Community Health Promoters have been trained to educate residents on hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing and safe food handling.
“We have started awareness campaigns across the affected sub-counties to encourage residents to maintain good hygiene and prevent further spread,” Kashu added.
County officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms associated with cholera.
