There has been an outbreak of cholera at a camp for Somali refugees in Dadaab, Kenya.The
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR is reporting that there are now
60 cholera cases in the camps, including 10 laboratory-confirmed cases and one refugee
death. After many parched months, heavy rains are now falling – and these are fostering
the cholera outbreak. More than half a million people have fled the famine, drought,
and war in Somalia, and made their way across the border into Kenya and the Dadaab
complex of five camps, which has become the world’s largest single refugee center.
UNHCR and other aid agencies have set up cholera treatment centers in the camp for
severe cases and are promoting safe hygiene practices. Most cases can be managed by
giving oral rehydration solutions. Security in the camps continues to be a major concern.
Kenya has deployed more than 200 police officers, including 100 in the past month,
to help keep order in the 5-camp complex spread over 50 square kilometres just over
400 kilometres NE of Nairobi. Listen