Two people have died in Kotido after showing Cholera-like signs and
symptoms on Sunday.
The deaths were recorded at Kotido Health Centre IV, after the victims were referred there by health workers from Napumpum Health Centre III.
The new deaths were confirmed by the Kotido District Secretary for
Health, Fericho Jurpey Lotimong. He said the victims were residents of Napumpum
Trading Centre who had been taken to the facility for first aid but both died
before being referred to Kotido Health Centre IV for management.
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Dr Serino Acar, the District Health Officer says that they have already formed a Cholera District Taskforce
to address the situation.
District health authorities are currently, sensitizing communities
on the best practices to avoid the spread of cholera. Cholera can spread
through eating food or drinking water contaminated with germs that cause the
disease.
Health authorities are struggling to contain the outbreak that
has so far claimed 13 lives.
44 patients are currently being admitted while 223 people have been discharged.
The outbreak according to Dr Serino has affected Panyangara, West
Division, Kotido, Rengen and Panyangara Sub Counties.
Two Cholera treatment centres have been established at Kanawat Health Centre III in West Division and
Kotido Health Centre IV.
District authorities have attributed the cholera outbreak to the low
latrine coverage in the district which stands at only 4 per cent.
Stanley Ebele
Freelancer