The Narok County government has ordered all hotels in Kilgoris town to close and has imposed a countywide ban on food hawking after a cholera outbreak claimed four lives and left at least 20 others hospitalized.
Health Chief Officer Lucy Kashu confirmed that three wards in Trans Mara West and South Sub-counties—Kilgoris, Shankoe, and Lorgorian—are the most affected. So far, 31 infections have been reported across those areas.
Kashu explained that the suspension of hotel operations and street food vending is a preventative measure to stop the disease from spreading further. Because cholera is mainly caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacteria, the county is taking no chances.
She added that anyone wishing to continue hawking food must first obtain special permission from the county authorities.
“Several wards in the county are dealing with cholera cases, and we have already stepped in to ensure those infected are receiving treatment,” Kashu said.
“From now on, because of the serious risk posed by the outbreak, all hotel activities and food hawking in Kilgoris town must stop until we completely contain the disease,” she added.
What Makes Cholera Dangerous
Cholera is a fast-acting diarrheal disease that can cause death within hours if untreated. It typically leads to profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and severe dehydration. Symptoms can begin as soon as two hours after infection or take up to five days to appear.
The fatality rate for cholera is around 6.2 percent. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that between 1.3 and 4 million people get cholera every year, and between 21,000 and 143,000 die from it annually.
County Steps Up Prevention Measures
To stop further spread, the Narok County government has launched an aggressive public awareness campaign focused on hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing and proper food handling.
Kashu also confirmed that Community Health Promoters have already received training to help identify, report, and respond to new cases quickly.
“We have begun sensitizing residents in the affected sub-counties, educating them on how to protect themselves and their families through proper hygiene and other preventive practices,” she said.
The crackdown on food handling will remain in force until health officials are confident the outbreak has been contained.
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