A cholera outbreak in Kwale County has claimed the lives of three people, with 48 suspected cases reported, the county health department has confirmed.

According to the County Epidemic Response Officer, Mohammed Said, the deceased include a four-year-old child and two adults, one of whom is a Tanzanian national.

 “It is sad to announce that cholera has claimed lives of three including a four-year child who is believed to have contracted the disease from his father, who exhibited similar symptoms,” he said.

He noted that the outbreak was initially reported in Tanzania in 2024. By March this year, the disease had spread into Kwale, largely due to an influx of Tanzanian nationals crossing the border through Lunga-Lunga.

The most affected areas include Vanga, Jasini, Jimbo, and Jego in Lunga-Lunga sub-county. Health response teams have already been deployed in these areas to carry out community outreach, treat contaminated water sources, and promote public hygiene awareness.

Other areas currently under close surveillance include Tsunza and Lutsangani, both located near the Kwale-Mombasa border.

However, he confirmed that the situation has largely been brought under control, crediting the progress to coordinated efforts by the county government and its health partners.

“The outbreak is now under control, although we haven’t fully contained it yet. We’re grateful to our partners who have stepped in with various interventions to support the county’s response efforts,” he said.

Saidi urged residents to observe high standards of hygiene, use treated water, and report any cases of severe diarrhoea or vomiting to the nearest health facility.

He made the remarks while receiving a consignment of medical supplies from Plan International at Kwale Health Department Offices in Matuga.

Saidi said the donated consignment of medical supplies and equipment to the county will boost efforts in combating the cholera outbreak.

The donated equipment including aquatabs, wash machines, disinfectants, and protective gear and will be critical in scaling up surveillance, prevention, and response measures, particularly in cholera-prone areas.

Saidi encouraged residents to take personal responsibility in upholding hygiene standards, including the use of treated water, proper handwashing, and reporting any suspected symptoms.

Meanwhile, the county government is also working with Plan International to escalate the outreach and sensitisation in the affected areas.

He said the programme targets Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to sensitise households on cholera symptoms, safe water storage, and the importance of early treatment.

In a further move to curb the spread and instil preventive behaviour, Saidi said the county is preparing to conduct school-based sensitisation campaigns across the affected and at-risk sub-counties.