Garissa Referral Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Ernest Siwo has dispelled fears among area residents of a possible outbreak of cholera in the area after Garissa was marked among counties marked as cholera hotspots.
Mr Siwo said that they tested all cases of diarrhea at the referral facility for cholera and they all turned out negative.
He has however said that the hospital has put in place measures to ensure that the disease is properly managed in case of an outbreak adding that all the medics are on alert and can be recalled if need be.
“We are prepared to handle the disease in any eventuality that it breaks out. We have an isolation ward already identified for cholera patients,” said the medic.
Speaking in his office to KNA, Dr. Siwo called on the area residents to be vigilant and present patients that exhibit diarrhea symptoms to the nearest public health facility immediately to avert the deadly disease.
He further urged the Garissa town residents and its environs to maintain high standards of hygiene and food handlers must ensure strict adherence to the public health regulations in order to avoid contracting the highly infectious disease.
“This is the simplest disease to manage, but it can be deadly if neglected. By boiling drinking water, washing your hands thoroughly before taking meals, after visiting the toilet among other daily hygiene procedures will keep you safe,” he said.
[Photo Caption: Patients in one of the wards at Garissa Provincial General Hospital. Photo/nepjournal.com]