Migori County Faces Cholera Outbreak in February 2025, Investigation Underway
Migori County health authorities declared a suspected cholera outbreak in Kuria East sub-county on February 12, 2025, following the death of a 20-year-old male who presented with severe acute watery diarrhea. Subsequent investigations revealed that three of his relatives also exhibited acute gastrointestinal symptoms and tested positive for cholera.
The County Rapid Response Team’s active case-finding efforts identified additional cases in nearby villages, and by February 14, 2025, the outbreak had spread to Kuria West and Suna West sub-counties, including one additional fatality.
Due to the unidentified source of infection and the potential public health risks, the Ministry of Health deployed a specialized investigation team. The team included experts from the National Public Health Laboratories (NPHLS) and the Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (FELTP). Their mandate was to confirm the outbreak, assess its scale, investigate WASH-related (water, sanitation, and hygiene) risk factors, and implement measures to prevent further transmission.
The investigation highlights the critical importance of rapid detection and response to waterborne diseases, as well as coordinated efforts between county health authorities, national laboratories, and epidemiology programs to safeguard public health.