[4] Lack of clean water is one of the area's primary problems[5] and the population depends on seasonal rainfall.
Available water from dams and seasonal rivers, which must be carried by the people in the area to their homes, is often contaminated and green with algae.
The severe shortage of water and poor sanitation were related to the outbreak, according to authorities, and the capacity of hospitals was strained.
[8] The Kenya Red Cross Society, Kitui branch, outlined a program in July 2011 to be implemented in two areas of the Mutomo District, Mathima and Kanziku that have badly contaminated water, and lasting until the following April.
One school pupil, Kambua Mwanzia, said the children had been trained in the use of the filter and that besides cleaning the water it also removed smells.