Cholera Outbreak in Migori Exposes Major WASH and Cross-Border Vulnerabilities
Migori County is facing renewed public health concerns after an investigation revealed widespread vulnerabilities that fueled a cholera outbreak earlier this year. A team of epidemiologists from the Kenya Field Epidemiology Training Program (KFELTP) conducted a detailed assessment between February 19 and 26, 2025, uncovering gaps in water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and cross-border disease surveillance.
According to the investigative team—comprising Annette Chesir, Dr. Fredrick Mutisya, Habiba Mohamed, and Onesmus Mmboyi under the leadership of Dr. Maurice Owiny—Migori reported 37 cholera cases during the outbreak period. Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) showed an 81.1 percent positivity rate, while laboratory tests confirmed Vibrio cholerae O1 Ogawa in half of the specimens analyzed. The case fatality rate stood at 2.1 percent, more than double the World Health Organization’s recommended threshold of below 1 percent, signaling an urgent need for improved response systems.
Investigators identified two primary risk factors: the use of unsafe water sources and inadequate sanitation facilities, which continue to expose communities to preventable waterborne infections. The findings also highlighted the role of continuous cross-border movement between Kenya and Tanzania, which accelerated the spread of cholera across neighboring communities along the border.
To prevent future outbreaks, the team recommended strengthening early warning and surveillance systems, expanding access to clean water, and intensifying hygiene education at the community level. They also underscored the need for stronger cross-border collaboration to monitor population movement and enhance coordinated response efforts. The report emphasized the importance of field epidemiologists in outbreak detection and the need for multisectoral approaches to safeguard public health.