Disputed Cholera Outbreak Reported in Meru County
Category: Health and Medical
Severity: 2 (Low)
Source: Drum Cussac
01/17/2018 (Kenya) - According to local media reports on Wednesday, 17 January, the administration of Isiolo County has recognised a cholera outbreak in the neighbouring county of Meru and has called for emergency treatment centres to be set up in the region. In a statement the Isiolo Deputy Governor has said the county's Level Four hospital has admitted 18 patients with cholera symptoms from Kandebene in neighbouring Tigania West, about 10km east of Isiolo town. However the reports also suggest that the Meru governor is refusing to acknowledge the outbreak in fear of political repercussions.
Cholera is a potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by consuming contaminated food or water. Those infected will usually experience severe diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps. Those in Meru and Isiolo Counties should monitor local media sources for further updates on the outbreak and heed any directives issued by local authorities. Travellers are advised to practice good food hygiene such as drinking only bottled, boiled or chemically-treated water, eating food that has been thoroughly cooked, avoiding raw vegetables and fruits without a peel and washing hands frequently and thoroughly. Travellers should immediately consult a physician upon presentation of any of the above symptoms.
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