Two dead in fresh cholera outbreak in Migori

The number of deaths following a fresh cholera outbreak in the border of Ugunja and Alego/Usonga constituencies in Siaya County has risen to two.

According to Ugunja sub-county Medical Officer of Health Dr. Bernard Onguche, a second cholera victim passed on at Rang’ala Mission Hospital just a day after the first death at Ambira sub-county hospital on Sunday night.

Dr. Onguche said that they have received at least 21 cholera cases at various health facilities within the constituency including Ambira, Rang’ala and St. Paul’s Mission hospitals. 

The medic associated the outbreak to the prolonged water shortage that has forced the residents to draw water from contaminated and other untreated sources such as River Wuoroya.

In this month, one person died from cholera with several others being admitted in different hospitals after an outbreak was reported in Migori County.

In November 2015, more than ten people were admitted to different health facilities in Nyatike, Migori County following fresh cholera outbreak in the area.

According to Karungu Deputy County Commissioner James Mabeya, the perpetual cholera outbreak in the County is as a result of poor sanitation and lack of proper human waste disposal mechanisms.

Migori residents wanted the department of health to take necessary steps and address the problem once and for all.