365 People Admitted After Purchasing & Consuming Cheap Meat

A picture of meat in display ready for distribution.
A picture of meat in display ready for distribution.
Photo
Kenya Meat Commission

365 people were left battling for their lives in Embu County after they ate contaminated meat slaughtered by a local in mid-March 2023. 

In a suspected Anthrax outbreak, one person was confirmed dead, and hundreds were hospitalised in Embu Level 5 hospital, according to the county government, in a statement released on Tuesday, March 21.

According to Embu County Health Department, the 365 were screened and reported to be stable as they continued to receive medication.

The outbreak started in Gatumbi Village in Iriari Location in Runyenjes Sub-county after locals bought cheap contaminated meat.

Entrance to Embu Level 5 Hospital
Entrance to Embu Level 5 Hospital
File

It was reported that the deceased, who resided in Gatumbi Village, had helped his neighbour slaughter a cow.

The cow was later sold to hundreds of residents in Runyenjes, leading to the Anthrax outbreak.

When the deceased started developing anthrax-like symptoms, he was rushed to Runyenjes Level 4 Hospital, but when his health deteriorated, he was transferred to Embu Level 5 Hospital.

Several people from the region started complaining of vomiting, difficulty in breathing, tremors and lesions on their hands.

The symptoms put the County Health Department on high alert and quickly swung into action to ensure the disease was contained. 

“Following the suspected Anthrax Cases reported at Runyenjes level 4 Hospital, the Department of Health Services - Embu County through the Division of Public Health and sanitation swung into action to do line listing in the region.

“This process was made possible by the active participation of the community health volunteers led by the County Surveillance Officer,” a statement from Embu County Government dated Tuesday, March 21, read in part.

The statement further educated residents on what they should do to avoid outbreaks

Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. The bacteria produce spores that can survive for long periods in the environment, making them a potential biological weapon.

“Symptoms of anthrax can vary depending on the type of infection but can include fever, chills, cough, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and skin lesions. Without treatment, anthrax can be fatal, particularly in the inhalational form,” the Health Department educated the public.

Beef displayed in a butchery
Beef displayed in a butchery
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