By Agboola Aluko
April 10, 2025 | 2-Minute Read
K enya’s government is urging heightened vigilance following a cholera outbreak that has resulted in at least five confirmed deaths, according to a statement from a health ministry official.
Cholera, a deadly intestinal infection spread through contaminated food and water, causes severe symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, and muscle cramps, making it especially dangerous for young children.
The outbreak follows severe flooding that affected parts of Kenya last year, a factor that has contributed to the spread of the disease. Mary Muthoni, a health official, warned the public to remain alert, stating, “The government urges you to be extremely vigilant of your surroundings as we confront a cholera outbreak that has now claimed more than five lives across the country.”
As of Tuesday, health authorities confirmed 97 cases across three counties—Migori, Kisumu, and Nairobi—along with six fatalities. The outbreak has come at a time when other East African nations are also grappling with the disease, with South Sudan reporting nearly 700 deaths last month, according to the United Nations.
In addition to cholera, Kenya is also contending with an ongoing leishmaniasis outbreak, with over 1,000 cases and 33 reported deaths. Leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease transmitted by sandflies, can cause severe skin ulcers and internal organ damage. It is often associated with poor living conditions and inadequate sanitation.
The Kenyan government is working to contain the outbreaks, but the country faces significant challenges due to limited resources and ongoing health concerns.
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