The death toll in the suspected cholera outbreak in East Pokot has reached 11.

Baringo Medical Superintendent Robert Pusoke said 18 patients were admitted at Chemulingot District Hospital and five at Kapendo Health Centre.

Residents, however, claim the number of those dead could be as high as 30. Dr Pusoke attributed the outbreak to poor hygiene due to lack of clean water and some cultural practices.

Following the outbreak, the Government has dispatched medical personnel to Lomole, which is among the worst hit.

"We have mobilised resources from Kabarnet and Marigat hospitals to contain the outbreak," he added.

Baringo East ODM chairman Pepe Kitamba alleged that about 30 people had died.

"The Ministry of Health should acknowledge the cholera outbreak is now a national disaster," Kitamba said.

At the same time, residents of Homabay and Suba districts have been advised to control the spread of the disease after two suspected cases were recorded.

Residents have been advised to treat drinking water and have toilets to control the spread.

Homabay District Public Health Officer James Bosire urged residents to be alert and report suspected cases to the nearest health facility.

The Government has teamed up with Plan-International and the Kenya Red Cross Society to train communities in the affected districts on cholera preparedness.

He said the Government had made drugs for the treatment of the disease and treatment of drinking water available.

Homabay District registered last cholera outbreak between May and June,where 20 cases were admitted to thedistrict hospital.

Source: The Standard | Online Edition