The people of Kenema Town have started experiencing the wave of cholera outbreak which recently hit the capital city.

Ever since the outbreak of cholera in the country, the people of Kenema City have experienced a sharp increase of the disease during the past few days.

As of Thursday August 9, 2012, a total of eleven cases have so far been reported at the Kenema Government Hospital for medical attention.

Addressing newsmen recently, the District Health Education Officer for Kenema, Mr. Michael Vandi said the hospital’s management team has put structures in place to admit patients who contract the disease.

He said that they have gone ahead to sensitize the community about the outbreak of the disease, adding that they have also held series of radio and community discussions to educate the people on preventive methods and controls of cholera.

Mr. Vandi further noted that the disease can be prevented  using good personal and environmental hygienic practices. He said cholera is caused by eating contaminated food and water infested by flies and dust, whilst also using the forum to inform the people that one major sign of cholera is the passing of frequent waterish stool associated with vomiting  more than three times a day.

Michael Vandi called on the people of Kenema to immediately refer such conditions to the hospital or nearest health center for urgent medication.

It could be recalled that some two weeks ago, the Minister of Health and Sanitation admonished all district hospital authorities to put in place emergency measures to tackle the outbreak.

The Medical Superintendent at the Kenema Government Hospital, Mr. Samuel B. Seisay has assured residents that the government has given some basic start up kits to further equip the Isolation Unit of the hospital.