Cholera Outbreak Strikes Upper Hill School, 16 Students Hospitalized
The Ministry of Education in Nairobi County has expressed concern about a severe water shortage affecting schools in the area.
Reports are emerging of a possible cholera outbreak at Upper Hill School. Atleast 16 students were hospitalized on Monday and another 60 treated and discharged.
All relevant stakeholders have mobilized a multi-agency team to respond to the situation, and they conducted a sanitation inspection of Upper Hill School early on Monday.
According to reports, several students began experiencing vomiting and stomach upsets after eating rice, beans, and beef on Friday. The worst affected group was the Form Three stream, with one Form 4 student also being admitted to a hospital within the city.
Students had reportedly complained on Friday about the foul smell of their food, which they believed may have been the cause of their symptoms.
Mbagathi Hospital treated and discharged 60 out of the 90 students suspected of having contracted cholera, while South B Hospital is treating 13 others and Savannah Hospital is treating three.
Margaret Lesuuda, the Director of Education in Nairobi, has stated that officials visited the students in hospital and met with some parents.
Water Shortage
As of late Monday, sanitation officials from the Ministry of Health and county governments were still collecting samples of water and food from the school for additional testing.
The authorities have identified the water shortage in the capital as a contributing factor to the outbreak. This is due to drying boreholes that have put a strain on water supply in the area.
Ministry of Health data shows that Nairobi has recorded over 500 cholera cases and 85 fatalities since October 2022.
In response to the situation, it is important for stakeholders to work together to address the water shortage and prevent further outbreaks of cholera.
This could involve implementing measures to conserve water, such as rainwater harvesting and reducing water wastage. Additionally, there should be greater emphasis on improving sanitation and hygiene practices in schools and other public places.
This could include providing access to clean water, soap, and hand sanitizers, as well as promoting good hand hygiene and safe food handling practices.
Cholera Outbreak Strikes Upper Hill School, 16 Students Hospitalized
