Three die in Siaya as cholera claims more lives

Three more people have died of cholera in the county, raising the death toll to eight since last week.

County Public Health Officer Mabel Chanzu said 119 more cases of those infected have been reported, bringing the number of those admitted in hospital to 140.

The victims have been admitted to Ambira hospital, Simenya dispensary, Rangala and St. Pauls missions' hospitals in Ugunja, while others are in Ukwala Sub-county Hospital and Sifuyo health centre in Ugenya.

In Alego Usonga, patients are admitted to Siaya County Referral Hospital, Rwambwa and Rabar health centres and Inuka Dispensary in Gem.

"We are working with community health workers to help in educating the public on the importance of using treated water. We are also working with the chiefs and assistant chiefs to ensure that people do not eat at funerals in the affected villages," said Chanzu.

Infection sources

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The major sources of the infection are Uludhi and Wuoroya rivers that cut across the villages in Ugunja, Gem and Alego Usonga sub-counties and River Nzoia in Ugenya.

By last Wednesday, five people had died and 69 others were admitted to hospital after the first outbreak of cholera this year.

"We are now doing door-to-door sensitisation as a way of containing the disease," she added.

Chanzu said health teams were also visiting funerals and village barazas to educate the public.

She also added that they are working on water quality control where they distribute water treatment chemicals like pur, aqua tab, chlorine granules and water guard.

"We are educating the residents on how to use the chlorine chemicals and we allow them to demonstrate to ensure they are well educated. The people are also being advised on water, especially to avoid using a particular water source for drinking, cooking, bathing and washing," said Chanzu.

She said public health teams had put up cholera treatment units in health centres which are well-equipped to prevent and control the spread.

Food hawking and feasting at funerals have been banned in the entire county.