A suspected cholera outbreak in Rongo, Migori county Kenya, has left 7 people dead and 78 others admitted in critical condition.The 7 people who are from East Kamagambo and North Kamagambo wards, died after complaining of stomach aches.The 78 in critical condition are admitted at several hospitals in Rongo.
County Health director Joseph Gondi said the disease is likely to be cholera but that samples have been taken for tests.“We have taken vomit and faecal matter to the Kemri laboratory for confirmation before we pronounce it a cholera outbreak," he said.
Addressing the press in Migori town on Tuesday, Gondi said a team of medics and Kenya Red Cross Society are trying to contain the outbreak.Gondi reported that the medics have moved to villages where there is no access to hospitals.
He said three people died there.“We have already deployed qualified staff to the dispensaries within the constituency,” he said.Gondi urged residents to drink clean water and eat food that is not contaminated.Health experts warned that the infection is likely to continue spreading due to the lack of safe drinking water.
Opapo town resident Benedict Orkin told the Star on phone on Monday that the county government took too long to respond.“Patients started seeking treatment from chemists on Friday. Some resorted to local medication,” he said.Orkin said most of those affected are children. The star
