NAROK, Kenya – Health authorities in Narok County have confirmed a cholera outbreak that has killed four people and left dozens hospitalised, prompting urgent calls for hygiene vigilance and public awareness to curb further infections.
According to the County Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health Services, Lucy Kashu, the outbreak has been reported in Kilgoris Central, Shankoe and Lolgorian wards within Trans Mara West and South sub-counties.
Kashu said the first suspected cases were recorded on September 29 at Trans Mara West Sub-County Hospital, where eight patients were admitted with acute watery diarrhoea.
Laboratory tests conducted at the hospital and the Walter Reed Kericho Laboratory later confirmed cholera infections on October 3.
“A total of 34 suspected cases have been identified between September 23 and October 2. Sadly, four people — three adults and one child — have succumbed to the disease,” Kashu said.
As of Friday, 12 patients — five men, five women and two children — remained admitted, while 15 others had been treated and discharged. The deaths were reported in Migingo, Majengo and Oldonyo Rasha villages.
Emergency response activated
The Narok County Government has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and deployed rapid response teams to the affected areas.
A temporary cholera treatment unit has also been set up at the Trans Mara West Sub-County Hospital to manage the surge in cases.
Authorities have banned food hawking and ordered the closure of hotels and entertainment venues in high-risk areas as part of containment efforts.
“Earlier cases dating back to September 23, which had initially been overlooked, have now been linked to case number five, suggesting that the outbreak began earlier and spread more widely than initially thought,” Kashu noted.
Sanitation and clean water drive
Health officials are working with Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) partners to intensify community sensitisation and improve access to safe water and sanitation facilities.
Poor sanitation and limited access to clean water have been cited as the main drivers of the outbreak.
Residents have been urged to boil or chlorinate drinking water, store it in clean, covered containers, and avoid untreated sources such as rivers and lakes.
They are also encouraged to wash hands regularly with soap and clean water, particularly after using the toilet, before handling food, and after caring for sick persons.
The Ministry of Health has advised communities to establish public handwashing stations and maintain clean, functional latrines to prevent contamination.
Public cautioned against self-medication
The ministry further warned the public against self-medication or reliance on traditional remedies, saying early professional treatment significantly improves recovery and reduces deaths.
Cholera symptoms include sudden watery diarrhoea, vomiting, leg cramps, and severe dehydration, which can quickly become life-threatening without prompt medical care.
