MoH on cholera alert; two patients detected

The Health Ministry reassured citizens and expats that all its sectors were fully alert to deal with any cross-border cholera cases, especially from Iraq. The ministry stressed that it had taken all preventive measures to control the disease, Kuwait Times daily reported citing Al Rai Arabic news paper.

It also stressed that Kuwait had a well-structured health infrastructure of water and sewers grids that prevent the spread of such diseases, in addition to healthy food, food control and most of all, public awareness needed to fight such diseases.

Notably, MoH had stated that two people arriving from Iraq tested positive for cholera and both were provided proper treatment and are now recovering. “Those who interacted with the two infected cases were also given precautionary treatment to prevent any secondary infections,” the ministry highlighted, pointing out that further cases could be discovered among people arriving from Iraq, but reassured that such individual cases pose no major threat to Kuwait.

“A special 24/7 work plan has been set at Abdaly clinic to examine people arriving from Iraq and refer them to preventive medicine centers as per their address, where they remain under observation for seven days to make sure they do not develop any of the disease’s symptoms,” the ministry explained, noting that arrivals are reminded of the need to immediately check with the nearest hospital in case of developing diarrhea within seven days of arrival. The ministry also advised travelers to Iraq, namely children below five, people with chronic diseases, those with weak immune systems and pregnant women, to consider postponing their journeys for the time being until Iraq is internationally declared cholera free.