The Epinhood (TEH)

CHOLERA – KENYA (02): UPDATE

A ProMED-mail post
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International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Date Tue 1 Aug 2023
Source: The Standard [edited] https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/health/health-science/article/2001478413/new-cholera-cases-in-nairobi-mandera-as-death-toll-rises

At least 10 cases of cholera have been reported in the country in the
last 10 days, with children below the age of 10 years being the most
affected.

The cases have been reported in Nairobi and Mandera counties.
According to the cholera situation report by the Ministry of Health,
Mandera is leading with 8 cases, followed by Nairobi with 2 cases.

The 2 cases bring to a total of 11 872 reported in the country since
October 2022.

“In the past 10 days, 10 cases were reported nationwide in the
following 2 counties (active outbreak): Mandera (8) and Nairobi (2),”
reads a section of the Ministry’s cholera situation report dated 25
Jul 2023.

Cholera cumulative deaths stand at 194. “Among the 194 deaths
reported, 78 (40%) are from Nairobi, and Tana River counties, while
Garissa and Wajir account for 35 (18%) deaths in total,” adds the
report.

An outbreak of cholera was reported in October 2022 in Kiambu County.
The disease has since spread across 26 counties namely; Garissa
(2853), Mandera (2243), Nairobi (2173), Wajir (944), Tana River (780),
Kiambu (539), Machakos (491), Kajiado (398), Homa Bay (335), Mombasa
(210), Siaya (162), Meru (138), Uasin Gishu (137), and 112 in
Marsabit.

Other counties battling the disease include Samburu (60), Kisumu (56),
Nyeri (55), Murang’a (46), Isiolo (31), Kitui (27), Kirinyaga (17)
West Pokot (16), Kwale (16), Nakuru (15), Busia (11), and Bomet (6).

According to the report, 6239 of the cases representing 53% of the
cumulative cases are males, whereas 5633 (47%) are females. In the
report released by the Ministry of Health, most cases are of children
below the age of 10 years. Nairobi and Garissa lead with the number of
deaths at 40% (78 cases), whereas Garissa and Wajir account for 35
(18% of deaths) in total. The number of men who have died from the
disease is higher than females, according to the report. Of the 194
cumulative deaths, at least 135 representing 70% are males while 59,
representing 30%, are females.

The Ministry of Health, counties and partners are implementing
critical outbreak response interventions in the affected communities
to prevent deaths and cases. The affected communities are also being
sensitised about the disease, its spread, treatment and prevention.
Other interventions include mobilising additional resources for the
implementation of the response plan, scaling up surge support and
operationalisation of the rapid response in the counties, and
continued cholera preparedness including prepositioning of supplies.

Plans are also in place to procure and supply essential medical
equipment and supplies for healthcare facilities. In March 2023, the
Health Ministry launched oral cholera vaccination in epidemic counties
of Nairobi, Wajir, Garissa and Tana River counties where at least 2.2
million people were vaccinated.