Four people have died from cholera infection in Mavoko Sub-county, Machakos County with 32 suspected cases being attended to following a cholera outbreak in the region.
Eight of the cases are admitted at Mavoko Level 4 Hospital where one of them is in critical condition, according to Machakos County Health Executive Dr Daniel Yumbya.
“From the 6th of March 2023 to date Mavoko Sub-county attended to a total of 32 suspected cases of which 12 samples were collected for laboratory confirmation. Out of these cases 4 deaths have occurred with 3 cases availing themselves for treatment in critical condition,” said Yumbya in a brief status report on Friday.
The incident is the latest in waves ofcholera outbreaks that have hit Mavoko since October 2022.
Between December 2022 and February 2023, no new cases had been reported because on two occasions the incubation period had elapsed so it was assumed to be under control.
From February 23, 2023, Machakos county reported nine suspected cases from Mavoko of which four were confirmed positive via rapid test kits.
“Mavoko Sub-county health officials activated rapid response to carry out contact tracing of the confirmed cases and continuous community engagement and social mobilization targeting community members to ensure they upheld good hygiene practices,” added Yumbya in the report.
The cases reported within Mlolongo, Jua Kali, Kwa Mang’eli, Kanaani, KMC and Sokoni areas of Athi River are associated with consumption of food at local eateries.
“The mentioned areas have low sanitation environment and are being targeted to identify what could be the source of the infection,” the County Health Executive said.
