Govt Confirms 97 Cholera Cases, 6 Deaths In 3 Counties

The Ministry of Health has confirmed 97 cholera cases and six deaths across three counties, with officials calling for heightened public hygiene measures to curb the outbreak.

In an update issued on Sunday, April 6, 2025, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the cases had been reported in Migori, Kisumu, and Nairobi counties.

Migori has recorded the highest number of infections with 53 cases and one death. Kisumu has reported 32 cases and four deaths, while Nairobi has recorded 12 cases and one fatality.

Duale assured the public that the government is actively working with county health departments to manage the situation through increased surveillance, public awareness campaigns, and testing of suspected cases.

“The Ministry of Health reassures the public that the country is adequately prepared to manage and contain this outbreak,” Duale said.

He urged Kenyans to wash their hands regularly, drink treated or boiled water, avoid open defecation, and frequently disinfect surfaces.

Cholera, he warned, can cause severe dehydration and death if not treated promptly. He advised those with symptoms such as diarrhea to immediately begin taking Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and seek medical help.

In Kisumu, the outbreak appears to have worsened a previously reported surge in acute watery diarrhea cases.

On March 27, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Medical Services, Public Health, and Sanitation, Dr. Gregory Ganda, confirmed the presence of multiple pathogens in patients tested at Ahero Hospital in Nyando Sub-county.

“The Department of Public Health and Sanitation wishes to inform the public of an ongoing upsurge of acute watery diarrhea cases in Kisumu County,” Dr. Ganda said in a statement.

Lab results showed the presence of Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Aeromonas spp., which are all linked to water contamination and poor hygiene. Three community deaths were confirmed to be caused by cholera following posthumous testing.

So far, Ahero Hospital has reported 15 cases, with six testing positive for cholera. Eleven patients have already recovered.

To contain the spread, Kisumu County has activated its Emergency Operations Center and deployed a rapid response team. Surveillance efforts have also been intensified in affected areas.

Residents are being urged to boil drinking water, maintain proper sanitation, and observe strict hygiene practices to prevent further infections.