Cholera in Kenya: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

What is Cholera and How is It Spread?

Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the Vibrio cholerae bacteria. It spreads through the consumption of food or water contaminated with the bacteria.

What Are the Symptoms of Cholera?

Cholera infections can range from mild or asymptomatic to severe. About 1 in 10 infected people develop serious symptoms, including:

  • Profuse watery diarrhea (often described as “rice water” stool)
  • Vomiting
  • Thirst
  • Irritability or restlessness
  • Leg cramps

These symptoms can cause rapid loss of body fluids, leading to severe dehydration and shock. Without prompt treatment, cholera can be fatal within hours. Symptoms typically appear 2–3 days after infection, but can start as early as a few hours or as late as five days. Notably, fever is usually absent.

Who Is Most at Risk?

People living in areas with unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene are at the highest risk. Cholera can affect both children and adults and may lead to death if untreated.

How Can I Prevent Cholera?

  • To reduce your risk:
  • Drink safe water – Use only boiled, chemically treated, or bottled water.
  • Practice good hygiene – Wash hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before meals and after using the toilet. If unavailable, use alcohol-based sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
  • Eat safe food – Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it.
  • Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruits.
  • Clean kitchenware and surfaces – Wash with soap and clean water. Let dry before reuse.
  • Dispose of waste properly – Use toilets and clean them regularly.
  • Disinfect contaminated surfaces using a mixture of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water.
  • Get vaccinated – The WHO recommends the cholera vaccine in the following situations:
    • Areas with ongoing local cholera transmission
    • During cholera outbreaks
    • In humanitarian crisis settings with high cholera risk

What Should I Do If I Suspect Cholera?

  1. Seek medical help immediately. Cholera can cause severe dehydration quickly.
  2. Start oral rehydration solution (ORS) as soon as possible. ORS is a lifesaving mix of sugar and salts, available in pre-packaged sachets.
  3. Continue drinking ORS while on your way to a health facility.
  4. Keep breastfeeding if an infant has diarrhea.

How to Assess Dehydration in Children

  1. If Sensorium is Abnormally sleepy or lethargic, Eyes Sunken, Drinks poorly or not at all, Skin Pinch Returns very slowly (>2 sec) = Severe dehydration – Seek urgent care
  2. If Sensorium is Restless or irritable, Eyes Sunken, Drinks eagerly, Skin Pinch Returns slowly (<2 sec)= Some dehydration – Continue ORS
  3. If Sensorium is Well, alert, Eyes Normal, Drinks normally or not thirsty, Skin Pinch Returns quickly = No dehydration – Monitor and maintain fluids

Treatment for Cholera

Cholera is treatable with prompt care.

  • The main treatment includes: Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) – for mild to moderate dehydration.
  • IV Fluids – for severe cases, to prevent shock.
  • Antibiotics – may be prescribed in severe cases to shorten illness duration.

Cholera Vaccines

Vaccine Name - Shanchol; Route - Oral; Dosage -2 doses, 2 weeks apart; Eligible Age - 1 year and above; Protection Duration - At least 3 years

In February 2023, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), launched a cholera vaccination campaign targeting 2.2 million people in Nairobi, Garissa, Wajir, and Tana River counties. Final Word Cholera is a preventable and treatable disease. With proper hygiene, safe water and food practices, and vaccination, you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Stay informed, stay safe.