A devastating cholera outbreak has sent shockwaves through Kiambu County, with Kiambu Referral Hospital struggling to cope with a surge of patients. By Saturday afternoon, over 80 cases had been reported, with medical staff working around the clock to contain the crisis. Health officials have traced the outbreak to a popular eatery near Naivas Supermarket along Kiambu Road, raising fears of further spread.
Hospital Overwhelmed as Cases Surge
Dr. Japheth Kuthoni, the lead physician at Kiambu Referral Hospital, confirmed the alarming rise in admissions. “Since yesterday, we have seen a sharp increase in patients presenting with severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration—classic symptoms of cholera,” he said, wiping sweat from his brow. “By noon today, we had already treated 63 cases, and the numbers keep climbing.”
The hospital’s isolation ward was packed, with patients lying on stretchers in corridors due to lack of beds. Nurses moved swiftly, administering oral rehydration solutions and intravenous fluids to combat dehydration. “We are doing everything we can, but the situation is dire,” Dr. Kuthoni added. “If people don’t seek treatment early, we could lose lives.”
Eatery Shut Down as Source Identified
Preliminary investigations by the county health department revealed that most patients had consumed food or drinks from the same eatery near Naivas Kiambu Road. “Multiple patients reported eating there before falling ill, making it the likely source,” said Dr. Kuthoni. “We suspect contaminated water or improperly handled food.”
County health officers immediately shut down the eatery for inspection, collecting samples for laboratory testing. Vendors in the area watched nervously as officials sealed the premises. “I used to buy lunch there every day,” said **Peter Maina**, a taxi driver now hospitalized. “Yesterday’s meal left me weak and trembling. I barely made it to the hospital.”
Patients Recount Harrowing Ordeal
Among those fighting for recovery was Esther Nyambura, a primary school teacher from Gachie. “I bought roasted maize and juice from that place on Friday,” she whispered weakly. “By midnight, I was vomiting nonstop. My husband had to carry me to the hospital.”
Nearby, James Omondi, a construction worker, lay curled in pain. “I took tea and chapati there before work,” he groaned. “Now my whole body feels like it’s shutting down.”
For Lucy Wanjiku, a mother of two, the outbreak brought terror. “My children also ate there, but so far, they’re okay,” she said, her voice trembling. “What if they get sick too?”
County on High Alert
Kiambu’s Public Health Director, Dr. Susan Muthoni, urged residents to take precautions. “Cholera spreads fast, especially in crowded areas with poor sanitation,” she warned. “Boil all drinking water, avoid raw or street food, and wash hands thoroughly.”
Local leaders called for emergency measures, including mass chlorination of water sources and public awareness campaigns. “We cannot afford another Mukuru kwa Njenga situation,” said area MCA David Mburu, referencing Nairobi’s recent deadly outbreak.
Kiambu County Governor Kimani Wamatangi gestures during a courtesy call visit by a team from Nation Media group (NMG) led by General Manager Commercial, Advertising James Sogoti at his office on February 28, 2023. Picture by Francis Nderitu
Fear Grips the Community
As news spread, panic set in among traders and commuters along Kiambu Road. “If cholera is here, business will die,” lamented Mama Njeri, a fruit vendor. “People are already avoiding our stalls.”
At the hospital, Dr. Kuthoni appealed for calm but stressed urgency. “Cholera is treatable if caught early. If you experience symptoms, come immediately—delaying could be fatal.”
With the death toll from cholera rising across Kenya, Kiambu’s battle is far from over. As the sun set on Saturday, medical teams braced for a long night, hoping to stem the tide before more lives are lost.
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