Seven family members hospitalised after eating poisoned food

Christine Nkirote (left) and Martin Mwenda at Nyambene District Hospital after consuming contaminated food in Antubochiu in Igembe South on February 4, 2016. Seven people were being treated at the hospital for food poisoning. PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Seven family members from Red Canteen village in Meru County were Thursday evening admitted to Nyambene District Hospital after consuming poisoned food.

Ms Rose Nkatha, one of the family members, told the Nation from her hospital bed she was preparing lunch when her child fainted.

All family members decided to accompany her to the nearest health facility, where she rushed the child for treatment, leaving the food unattended.

After coming back from the hospital, they continued preparing the meal and ate it when it was ready.

An hour later, they started vomiting and complained of abdominal pain.

A neighbour who owns a motorbike mobilised his colleagues and the two men and five women were rushed to Nyambene District Hospital.

Igembe South Medical Officer of Health Michael Kariuki confirmed they ate poisoned food.

ON MEDICATION

“From preliminary examinations and [the] history of the patients, we can confirm that there was food poisoning.

“The smell of the vomit indicated that there was organophosphate poisoning and these compounds are mainly found in herbicides which are mostly used by the residents," he said.

He said the seven were immediately put on medication and were responding well to treatment.

“They were poisoned, but we can't tell how the poison got into the food. They can report the matter to police for proper investigations," he said.

The incident occurred as the same family was busy preparing to bury a relative who had died under mysterious circumstances.