NAIROBI, 11 September 2008 (IRIN) - At least seven people have died and 94 been affected following an outbreak of acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) in the neighbouring districts of Bungoma West, Mt. Elgon and Teso in the Western Province of Kenya, a senior health official said.

"A sample taken from one of the affected people in Teso tested positive for cholera," Shahnaaz Sharif, the senior deputy director of medical services, said.

Sharif said 37 cases have been reported in Teso, 31 in Bungoma and 26 in Mt. Elgon. The first case was reported on 1 August, he said.

The outbreak has been attributed to the contamination of the Malakisi River which provides water for residents in the three districts.

He said the health ministry had sent a team to the affected districts to chlorinate water wells. Health awareness campaigns are also ongoing.

Samples from the affected people are being tested for cholera, he said.

"We are also tracing those who may have had contact with the affected people," he said.

At least 34 cases of AWD were reported in the Rift Valley town of Nakuru in July.

An earlier outbreak of cholera in the western region in January affected nine districts and led to the deaths of 46 people with 832 cases being reported.

Cholera is an acute bacterial infection that can easily lead to severe dehydration and death if not treated promptly.

aw/am

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