Five cases confirmed in Garissa cholera outbreak

Residents of Garissa going about their business. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Health authorities in Garissa on Monday intensified public health sensitisation campaigns following a cholera outbreak in the region.

Five cases have already been confirmed in Garissa Township subcounty.

A statement from Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital said efforts have been intensified following the confirmation of the cases.

The Garissa County Referral Hospital where the patients have been admitted./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Among those admitted is an 11-year-old child from Dekaburey in Iftin ward.

"The patient developed symptoms on March 22, 2026, and the infection was confirmed on March 25, 2026," the hospital said.

It said the patient "remains admitted in stable condition."

The hospital said it has stepped up community awareness campaigns focusing on hygiene, sanitation and early detection of symptoms.

"Community awareness campaigns focusing on hygiene, safe water use, sanitation, and early detection of symptoms have been initiated."

Residents have been asked to watch out for symptoms such as severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration, fatigue and leg cramps, which are common indicators of cholera infection.

Residents of Garissa going about their business. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

They have also been encouraged to regularly wash hands with soap and safe water, properly handle and store food, and ensure the use of clean and safe sanitation facilities.

“Residents are advised to use boiled or treated water, wash hands regularly with soap, avoid raw or undercooked foods and maintain clean surroundings to minimise the risk of infection. The situation remains under control, with surveillance, contact tracing, and case management measures fully activated." 

Residents experiencing symptoms have been urged to seek immediate medical attention to prevent complications and limit spread of the disease.

 Muktar Dahir, chairman

Garissa Human Rights Network chairman Muktar Dahir called for intensified sensitisation across all the affected areas.

“Public awareness is a critical tool in preventing the spread of cholera, and we urge all stakeholders—including local authorities, health agencies, community leaders, and humanitarian partners—to scale up education campaigns on preventive measures,” he said.

“We also call on the government and relevant agencies to strengthen surveillance, ensure timely medical response, and provide necessary supplies, including water treatment solutions and sanitation materials,” he said.

Dahir said protecting the health and dignity of communities is a shared responsibility. He urged residents to remain vigilant, adhere to public health guidance, and support one another in preventing the spread of the disease.

Cholera is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It mainly affects the intestines and can lead to severe diarrhoea and dehydration.

Cholera can spread easily in certain conditions, especially where clean water is limited, sanitation is poor and food hygiene is inadequate.