Cholera in Kenya (Update)
03 Jun 2015
The cholera outbreak in Kenya is ongoing and spreading. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the Kenyan health authorities and other partners have been trying to control the outbreak since the beginning of 2015. The outbreak is now affecting 10 out of 47 counties in Kenya and 72 deaths from cholera have been recorded.
The outbreak in and around Nairobi is causing particular concern due to the high population density and MFS has opened 4 cholera treatment centres. The number of individuals attentding the cholera treatment centres varies on a daily basis; the average is 200 per week.
MFS is also lending support to 47 facilities throughout 8 counties: Migori, Homa Bay, Bomet, Nakuru, Nairobi, Muranga, Kiambu and Embu, where more than 4200 individuals have received treatment.
Advice for Travellers
Cholera is a low risk for most travellers. Travellers to outbreak areas who will be mixing closely with the local population and cannot ensure safe drinking water can be immunised against cholera. A high standard of food/ water precautions and personal hygiene should be maintained whenever possible.