Machakos shuts down 17 food outlets as cholera bites

17 local food joints in Kangundo Sub County have been shut down by the County Government of Machakos over failure to meet public health standards as a broad measure to contain cholera outbreak that has grown rampant for the last few weeks.

Speaking at Kiumo market in Mwala Sub County, the probe on food delis was initiated by Machakos Governor, Dr Alfred Mutua, who asked County Public health officers to be on high alert and inspect any suspicious cases should they arise.

“As at today, there is no single reported cholera case in Machakos, but we are putting adequate measures to ensure our people are safe in case of any emergency since most of our people are traveling,” said Dr. Mutua.

Of the 17 closed food joints, Kangundo holds a number of 11 joints, 4 in Kakuyuni and two others in Kwa-Akamba market.

District Public Health Officer (DPHO) Zachary Ochonka, who led the hygiene hunt, said they inspected Kangundo town and its surroundings, examining the standard of health and hygiene as a preclusion measure towards preventing cholera.

On issues of Medicare, Mutua said that his Government has procured all necessary drugs, equipment and has deployed specialised personnel in a specific emergency division in Machakos level 5 hospital to ensure rapid response.

“Our personnel are now ready in the emergency wing as well as our 48 hours ambulances to ensure that our people are safe” Dr Mutua.

However, on Tuesday, July 26, 2017, Machakos County health Chief officer, Dr Jack Nthanga, confirmed that  three patients were admitted at Bishop Kioko Hospital with cholera related symptoms one of whom died a day after admission.

One tested positive to Cholera and is being managed at Bishop Kioko mission facility, although the patient comes from Nairobi County.

“I can confirm that only one patient met standard definition of Cholera after thorough medical examination and further probe revealed that the patient was coming from Nairobi” said Dr Nthanga.

Residents were asked to take caution of general hygiene and  report any case of diarrhea or vomiting.

Written by Sally Boyani