Siaya residents warned of Anthrax outbreak

Siaya government has cautioned its residents of an anthrax outbreak reported in the neighbouring Vihiga county.

A joint statement by health and agriculture chief officers said the county has activated emergency response following the confirmed case near the Gem subcounty border.

The officials warned that the outbreak poses a cross-border risk to human and animal health, prompting immediate containment measures.

“In response, the county said it has activated a coordinated One Health emergency response, including heightened surveillance, deployment of rapid response teams, control of livestock movement and targeted vaccination in high-risk areas,” they said.

The officials also issued a public advisory urging residents to avoid consuming uninspected meat and to refrain from slaughtering or handling animals that die suddenly.

Residents have been asked to report any sudden livestock deaths to veterinary officers or local authorities.

They have also been asked to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as skin sores, swelling, black lesions, fever or other unusual illness after handling animals or consuming meat.

“Anthrax is a serious but preventable and treatable disease when detected early,” the statement said, adding that health facilities and veterinary teams across the county are on high alert.

The county government urged residents, particularly those in border areas, to remain vigilant and cooperate with response teams.