Dozens of cases of cholera have now emerged in Kenya, where heavy rains and devastating floods have been occurring for weeks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 44 infections in the Tana River district, one of the regions hardest hit by the storm.
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The UN coordinator in Kenya, Stephen Jackson, stated in an interview with the Kenyan television channel Citizen TV that he believes it is possible to control the disease. “We have fought cholera in the past, but it remains a major concern,” he said.
Cholera is an acute intestinal infection that spreads through contaminated food and water. The disease causes diarrhea, vomiting and muscle cramps. It is a dangerous disease, especially for young children.
“WHO will continue to support emergency response and remain vigilant against outbreaks of easily spread diseases,” said Abdourahmane Diallo, WHO Representative in Kenya. “We must be ready to provide assistance to the hundreds of thousands of people affected by the bad weather,” Diallo continued.
Emergency weather
According to the latest official figures, the floods in Kenya have already killed 238 people. In addition, more than 200,000 people were left without shelter.
In total, more than 400 people have died in East Africa as a result of the seasonal rains. These heavy rains are exacerbated this year by the natural phenomenon El Niño. The region is very sensitive to climate change.
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Tags: Floods additional problems Kenya cases cholera emerged
