The Ministry of ICT, on behalf of the government, has officially acknowledged the occurrence of a cholera outbreak in Nanyuki, Laikipia County. The Directorate of Public Communications, in a statement released on Friday, reported numerous instances of diarrhea at the British Army camp in Nanyuki.
“The British Army in Kenya has confirmed a severe diarrhoea outbreak. A unique parasite sub-type linked to farmed monkeys in China has been identified,” the Directorate’s statement reads.
The advisory further emphasized the importance of staying informed, practicing hygiene measures, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptomatic.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cholera is an exceptionally contagious disease that spreads through the consumption of contaminated food or water.
The disease can also manifest as severe acute watery diarrhea, and if not promptly treated, the severe forms of cholera can be fatal within hours.
“Among people who develop symptoms, the majority have mild or moderate symptoms. It takes between 12 hours and 5 days for a person to show symptoms. A minority of patients develop acute watery diarrhoea with severe dehydration. This can lead to death if left untreated.”
As of January 24, twenty-eight (28) counties of Kenya had reported 12,462 cases due to an outbreak that started in Dadaab in 2022. Unfortunately, the ministry of health also recorded 206 deaths attributed to his outbreak.
The government conducted a mass cholera vaccination campaign targeting ten high-risk counties in mid 2023.
