Kenya: Elevated cholera activity reported nationwide through December /update 1

Event

Kenyan health authorities continue to report elevated cholera activity with an additional 1,409 suspected cases reported nationwide from Dec. 5-18, bringing the total case count to 2,959 Oct. 8-Dec. 18, 2022. This includes at least 105 laboratory-confirmed cases. Most cases have been reported in Garissa County (654 suspected cases), followed by Nairobi (384 suspected cases), Machakos (231 suspected cases), and Kiambu (164 suspected cases) counties. At least 55 cholera-associated deaths have been reported as of Dec. 5. This represents the most complete data available as of Jan. 10.

Context

This is the second cholera outbreak to be declared in 2022 in Kenya, where 319 cases were reported. The current outbreak started Oct. 8 among people who had attended a wedding held in Red Hill Gardens, Kiambu County. Cholera is endemic in Kenya, especially in the Coast, Eastern, Nyanza, and Rift valley provinces. Kenya reported 38 cases of cholera in 2021, 447 in 2020, and 5,208 in 2019. Communities that lack access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation are at an increased risk of spreading the disease.

Cholera is transmitted directly through food or water contaminated with fecal material from an infected person. Most infected people develop no symptoms or only mild diarrhea. However, approximately one in 10 infected people develop severe cholera, which causes symptoms including profuse, watery diarrhea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, restlessness, or irritability. Symptoms typically appear two or three days after exposure but can develop up to five days after exposure. Individuals with severe cholera can develop acute renal failure, severe electrolyte imbalances, and coma. If left untreated, these can lead to shock and rapid death.

Advice

Consult a travel medicine provider regarding cholera vaccination before traveling to the country. Practice strict food and water precautions. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop within a week of being in areas of high cholera transmission.