16 in hospital after eating anthrax infected meat in Murang’a
What you need to know:
- Murang’a County health chief officer said the owners of the four cows slaughtered them knowing the animals were sick.
- He said several villagers flocked the home as the meat was being sold cheaply.
- Among the sick was one cow owner and his son who had also consumed the bad meat.
- The health officer said those who might have come into contact with the patients were urged to go for screening, noting that anthrax was contagious.
Sixteen people were treated and discharged on Tuesday in Murang'a after consuming meat from a sick cow suspected to have been infected with anthrax.
Among them were 10 children, five men and a woman from Gikomora Village.
Joseph Mbai, Murang’a County's health chief officer, said the owners of the four cows slaughtered them knowing the animals were sick.
“The four cows that were slaughtered were sickly and the owner decided to sell the meat to neighbours and share with others,” said Mr Mbai.
He said several villagers flocked the home as the meat was being sold cheaply.
Mr Mbai said that after consuming the meat, people began complaining of stomach aches and were rushed to Maragua District Hospital, where they were treated and discharged.
Among the sick was one cow owner and his son who had also consumed the bad meat.
Mr Mbai said other owners had since disappeared and the police searching for them.
UNINSPECTED MEAT
He said police were looking for all those involved in the slaughter of the cows and selling of the meat, saying they should not have sold uninspected meat.
“They were supposed to have looked for a veterinary officer or a public health official to inspect and ascertain that the meat was fit for human consumption.
“They broke the law, so action has to be taken against them as we have to protect human life,” he added.
He asked residents to be careful when buying meat especially from individuals because it might not be inspected.
Mr Mbai asked those who might have come into contact with the patients to go for screening, noting that anthrax is contagious.
He further asked people who had consumed meat from the four cows to also seek medical attention at the Gikomora Dispensary, where they had established a treatment centre.
The centre will be open for about one week as the situation is monitored, he said.
He added that all animals in the area will be vaccinated starting Wednesday.
