Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) - In the last two weeks, an outbreak of cholera has killed 24 people in northwest Kenya. Between November 23 and December 3, about 193 cases were recorded. The districts most affected are Kaped, Lokori, and areas of East Pokot. According to the local health minister, Sharif, the epidemic has spread due to the use of polluted water as drinking water in the region is transported by trucks. The population of the area of East Pokot gets their water mainly through the use of pots and shallow wells, easily polluted by the rain or shared with the livestock. According to an update from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs of the United Nations, the rains are jeopardizing the health systems and hygiene in the country. Cholera, in parts of Kenya, has become endemic. With the deterioration or total lack of public health services in poorer urban areas, the situation is getting worse. According to the Kenyan Red Cross in mid-November, residents of the village of Kapnyung'uny, close to the eastern district of Baringo, reported symptoms similar to those of the cholera resulting in fatal cases. The fear of an epidemic has prompted many to move to Lomelo, Kapedo in East Pokot and into the mountains of Silale and Nasorot, thus continuing to spread the virus. An epidemic is underway in the northern districts of Turkana and Nairobi. The Red Cross has set up a medical camp to provide relief to people infected in the area of East Pokot. (AP) (12/12/2009 Agenzia Fides)
