Kenyatta University Raises Health Alert After Cholera Case Confirmed

Kenyatta University (KU) has raised a health alert after confirming one case of cholera on campus, with several cases of diarrhea and vomiting treated at the university’s Health Unit.

In an internal memo dated September 16, Acting Registrar (Academic) Prof. Perez Onono-Okelo said the reported illnesses were associated with food consumed at Kenyatta Market (KM).

The university has since urged students to exercise caution when buying food or drinking water from outlets outside the institution.

University Issues Food and Water Safety Advisory

Students have been encouraged to eat food served at university restaurants and messes as the institution steps up precautions following the reported illnesses.

The university advised students to avoid food outlets and hotels with poor hygiene standards, particularly premises without adequate hand-washing facilities.

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Students were also warned against drinking untreated water from food premises or unknown sources and encouraged to carry safe, treated water.

They were further advised to avoid raw foods such as salads, fruits and vegetables where there is uncertainty over whether they were washed using safe water, urging students to ensure food is thoroughly cooked and served hot.

Students Urged to Seek Medical Care

KU asked students experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain or other gastrointestinal symptoms to seek medical attention immediately at the University Health Unit.

Students have also been instructed to maintain proper hand hygiene by washing their hands thoroughly with soap and running water after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food.

It said suspected cases of food- or water-borne illness should be reported promptly to the Health Unit to allow medical attention and appropriate public-health measures to be taken.

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The advisory was also sent to senior university officials, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), executive deans, heads of departments, the Director of Student Affairs and the Director of University Health Services.

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A photo of Kenyatta University new Vice Chancellor while speaking at the launch of the Education Change Makers Cohort 3 at KUCC on July 20
PHOTO/KU/X