A major cholera outbreak this week hit the Bic Industries Kenya manufacturing plant in Kasarani, Nairobi, with over 15 employees being hospitalized as of Wednesday.
The news of the outbreak has been kept under wraps by the management of the factory, raising concerns about public health risks.
According to an anonymous source, the outbreak started on Sunday, 19th March 2022, but the management of the plant has been suppressing the news to avoid panic and reputational damage.
The affected employees were rushed to Radiant Hospital and Avenue Hospital for treatment, but the situation is yet to be addressed.
“Several people are still unwell, and the conditions in the plant are terrible. It’s only a matter of time before the disease spreads to the surrounding areas,” said the source.
Cholera is a highly infectious disease caused by the consumption of contaminated food or water, leading to severe diarrhoea and dehydration. It can be fatal if left untreated, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
The Bic Industries Kenya plant is one of the largest manufacturers of pens and stationery in the country, with a workforce of hundreds of employees.
The management of the plant is yet to issue a statement on the outbreak or the measures being taken to contain the spread of the disease.
Workers have urged public health authorities to swiftly move in and take appropriate action to prevent a wider outbreak.
