Ministry of Health reports cholera outbreak across three counties in Kenya

KENYA—Kenya’s Ministry of Health has confirmed a cholera outbreak currently affecting parts of the country.

Cholera is a dangerous waterborne disease caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, which spreads through the consumption of food or water contaminated with the bacteria

The infection often results in sudden onset of watery diarrhea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and severe dehydration.

 These symptoms can begin as quickly as two hours or up to five days after infection. If not treated promptly, cholera can cause rapid dehydration and even death.

As of April 6, 2025, Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale reported a total of 97 cholera cases and six deaths across three counties—Migori, Kisumu, and Nairobi—bringing the case fatality rate to 6.2%.

 In Migori County, 53 cases and one death have been recorded, with the sub-counties of Suna East, Suna West, Kuria East, and Kuria West being the most affected. While most patients in Migori have since recovered, two individuals remain hospitalized.

Meanwhile, Kisumu County has reported 32 cases and four deaths, mostly from the Nyando and Muhoroni sub-counties.

In Nairobi County, 12 cases and one death have been confirmed in the sub-counties of Kasarani, Embakasi East, Embakasi Central, Roysambu, Kibra, and Dagoretti South.

In response, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with county governments, is rolling out various emergency interventions to control the outbreak and prevent further spread.

These efforts include active case searches, contact tracing, and the deployment of rapid response teams.

Health workers across affected areas are being trained on surveillance, case management, water safety, hygiene, and effective communication.

The Ministry is also stepping up public education through community health promoters, local administrators, and the media, while distributing informational materials and videos.

Public health messages are focusing on the importance of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices.

Investigations have shown that many of the affected people consumed untreated water, prompting the Ministry to urge households to treat drinking water by boiling or using chlorine, store it in clean containers, and maintain proper sanitation facilities.

In terms of personal hygiene, Kenyans are being advised to wash their hands regularly with soap and clean water, especially after using the toilet, before eating or preparing food, and after caring for sick individuals.

 Where possible, public handwashing stations with clean water, soap, or hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol) should be set up.

Regarding food safety, people are encouraged to thoroughly wash hands, surfaces, and utensils before cooking, use clean water to prepare food, cook meals, especially meat and fish, properly, and store leftovers safely.

Proper separation of raw and cooked food is also emphasized to avoid cross-contamination.

The Ministry is also advising anyone showing early symptoms of cholera to immediately start taking Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and seek urgent medical care from the nearest health facility.

Self-medication and traditional remedies are strongly discouraged, as they can delay appropriate treatment.

The Ministry of Health has emphasized that Kenya is well-prepared to handle and contain the outbreak, reassuring the public.

All counties remain on high alert, and enhanced surveillance and community awareness efforts are underway to ensure a timely response to new cases.

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