Kisumu County health authorities have confirmed a cholera outbreak following a surge in acute watery diarrhoea cases that has left three people dead.

The outbreak, first detected at Ahero County Hospital in Nyando Sub-County on March 19, 2025, has been linked to multiple waterborne pathogens, raising concerns about water contamination and hygiene standards.

In a press statement released by Kisumu County Executive Committee Member for Medical Services Gregory Ganda on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, the County Department of Public Health and Sanitation revealed that laboratory tests at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) identified several disease-causing organisms including Aeromonas spp., Shigella spp., E. coli, Salmonella spp., and Vibrio cholerae—the bacteria responsible for cholera.

“So far, 15 cases of acute watery diarrhoea have been recorded at Ahero County Hospital. Six patients have tested positive for cholera through rapid diagnostic tests, while one case has been confirmed through culture,” the statement read.

Tragically, three people who succumbed to the illness in the community were confirmed to have died from cholera after posthumous testing.

“Three individuals who passed away in the community tested positive for Vibrio cholerae It is noteworthy that all the deaths tested positive posthumously through rapid detection tests,” the statement added.

Eleven patients have since recovered and been discharged, while one patient remains hospitalized but is reported to be responding well to treatment.

Measures taken

In response to the outbreak, the county has activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate interventions.

Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been deployed to the affected areas, and health workers are undergoing refresher training to strengthen case management.

The County Health Department has intensified surveillance across all sub-counties and distributed rapid diagnostic test kits to enhance laboratory capacity.

Public awareness campaigns are underway to educate residents on prevention, with an emphasis on proper water treatment, handwashing, sanitation, and food hygiene.

“A detailed contingency plan is in place to guide response efforts and resource allocation,” the statement read.

Public health officers have also been tasked with enforcing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) standards across the county.

Public advisory

Residents have been advised to boil or treat drinking water, wash hands regularly, ensure proper disposal of human waste, and thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before consumption.

“Ensure proper sanitation by using latrines and avoiding open defecation.

Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water before consumption.

Seek medical attention immediately if experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea, dehydration, or vomiting,” the statement urged.