Ministry of Health warns of Heavy Rains Causing Cholera, Malaria Outbreak

An alert on the potential health risks posed by the ongoing heavy rains across the country, has been raised by the Ministry of Health. The ministry cautioned that the ongoing March–April–May rains could increase the risk of disease outbreaks if preventive measures are not observed. In a statement, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said that the torrential rains and flooding can lead to contamination of water sources, increased breeding of disease vectors such as mosquitoes and disruptions to sanitation systems. These conditions, she added, can contribute to outbreaks of communicable diseases and other health hazards. They include water-borne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrheic diseases that may result from consumption of contaminated water or food. Vector-borne diseases – malaria, dengue, and other mosquito-borne illnesses may also be witnessed in places with increased mosquito breeding sites. Other conditions include respiratory infections, flood-related injuries like drowning and also poor sanitation and waste accumulation. She therefore urged members of the public to remain vigilant for the following health risks that may increase during the rainy season. PS Muthoni advised citizens to ensure they consume clean (chlorinated, boiled or treated), maintain proper hygiene, use mosquito prevention measures and avoid walking or driving through flooded areas. She added that proper sanitation and waste disposal should be observed to prevent contamination of the environment and water sources and also immediate medical attention should be sought if one experiences severe symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, or difficulty breathing. This is even as the government on Saturday activated a multi-agency emergency response team to coordinate rescue, relief and recovery efforts following deadly floods that have affected several counties across the country from heavy rains on Friday. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has confirmed that the death toll had risen to 25, including 21 adult men and two male children in Nairobi, as well as two children in Kitui County. He said floods have affected both urban and rural areas across the country, with impacts reported in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Makueni, Nakuru, Migori, Murang’a, Bungoma, Kwale, Kirinyaga and Tharaka Nithi counties. The ministry also encouraged the public to maintain proper hygiene practices including regular handwashing with soap and safe handling of food to prevent contamination. In addition, households have been urged to take measures to prevent mosquito breeding by draining stagnant water around their homes and sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets. “Use mosquito prevention measures such as sleeping under insecticide-treated nets, draining stagnant water around homes and using repellents where necessary,” the statement advised. Members of the public were also warned against walking or driving through flooded areas, noting that floodwaters may be contaminated and pose serious safety risks. The ministry urged individuals experiencing symptoms such as severe diarrhoea, vomiting, fever or difficulty breathing to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility. Meanwhile, the government said it had strengthened preparedness measures to detect and respond to possible disease outbreaks during the rainy season. The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) has admitted that the devastating floods witnessed on Friday caught emergency responders unawares. KRCS Secretary General Ahmed Idris has said the impact of the flooding was greater than what had been anticipated, stretching rescue teams across affected areas and response efforts were slowed by flooded and impassable roads. The Red Cross boss noted that the organisation has since reviewed the situation and reorganised its response protocols to improve preparedness in case the rains persist. He revealed that three emergency teams have already been placed on standby in Nairobi, equipped with rescue boats and specialised personnel.