Cholera Outbreak in Kenya: What You Need to Know and How to Stay Safe
By Paula Solutions Blog Team – Trusted Health Insights for Over 5 years
Kenya is currently facing a concerning health challenge. A cholera outbreak has been reported, with 97 confirmed cases and six deaths recorded in Migori, Kisumu, and Nairobi counties. While cholera is not new to the region, its resurgence reminds us of the need for vigilance in both prevention and early treatment.
As someone who has been in the health and wellness space for over seven years, I believe awareness and proactive action are the first lines of defense against any outbreak. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cholera, how to avoid it, and some practical tools and home remedies to keep you and your family safe.
🦠 What Is Cholera?
Cholera is a waterborne bacterial infection caused by Vibrio cholerae. It spreads through contaminated water or food and leads to acute diarrhea and severe dehydration, which can be fatal if not treated quickly.
Key symptoms include:
- Profuse watery diarrhea (“rice-water” stools)
- Vomiting
- Rapid dehydration
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness and lethargy
Cholera can become life-threatening within hours, especially in children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immunity.
🚨 Why Is There an Outbreak in Kenya Now?
Several factors may contribute to this outbreak:
- Heavy rains and flooding, which contaminate water sources
- Poor sanitation infrastructure in informal settlements
- Limited access to clean drinking water
- Public gatherings and movement, especially in urban areas like Nairobi
✅ How to Prevent Cholera
- Drink Only Treated or Bottled Water
Boil water for at least 1 minute or treat it with chlorine tablets. - Practice Good Hand Hygiene
Wash hands with soap before eating, after using the toilet, and after changing diapers. - Cook Food Thoroughly
Avoid raw foods, especially street food and seafood. Reheat leftovers thoroughly. - Sanitize Surfaces and Utensils
Disinfect kitchen counters and cutting boards regularly. - Properly Dispose of Waste
Ensure toilets and latrines are used and cleaned properly.
🏠 Home Remedies to Support Cholera Prevention
While cholera requires medical attention, here are some natural remedies that help boost your body’s defenses:
1. Homemade Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)
Mix:
– 1 liter of clean, boiled and cooled water
– 6 teaspoons of sugar
– ½ teaspoon of salt
Sip small amounts frequently to stay hydrated.
2. Ginger Tea
Boil slices of fresh ginger in water. Strain and drink 2–3 times a day. Ginger aids digestion and has antimicrobial properties.
3. Garlic Water
Crush 1-2 cloves of raw garlic and steep in warm water. Drink once a day to help your body fight infections naturally.
4. Turmeric Milk (Golden Milk)
Add ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder to a cup of warm milk. Drink once a day to help reduce inflammation and fight bacteria.
5. Probiotic Foods
Consume plain yogurt, fermented uji, or fermented vegetables to support healthy gut bacteria.
🛒 Essential Home Medical Equipment
Equip your home with the following to better manage and prevent cholera:
- Water Purification Tablets or Filters
- Digital Thermometer
- Portable Hand Sanitizer Dispensers
- Rehydration Salts (ORS Packets)
- First Aid Kit with gloves, antiseptics, gauze, etc.
- Water Storage Containers with Taps
- Basic Blood Pressure Monitor (especially for elderly family members)
🛍️ Find the above products in our online shop Here
👨👩👧 Final Thoughts
Cholera may be deadly, but it is entirely preventable and treatable when quick action is taken. Let’s all stay alert and help educate others in our communities.
Improve hygiene, store clean water, and invest in basic home health tools. Together, we can minimize the impact of this outbreak and protect those we love.
If you found this article helpful, please share it widely.
Stay healthy and informed.
