2 dead, 36 ill after eating anthrax-infected beef in Meru county

Another man aged 36 has died and 36 others were treated at a hospital after consuming meat suspected to have been infected by anthrax in Mathangwe village, Igoji, Meru county.

This is the second death to happen in the area amid fears of an outbreak of anthrax.

The deaths have forced officials to scramble efforts to address the possible outbreak by sending more veterinarians to immunise animals.

Another man had on April 16 died in neighbouring Maua area while 222 other people were treated and discharged from hospitals, officials said.

The latest incident was reported on April 19 in Gikui village where residents who had consumed meat from a cow complained of dizziness, headaches and stomach aches.

Officials at the Kanyakine Sub County Hospital said they attended to 23 adults and 12 juveniles who were discharged while one was admitted in serious condition and in isolation.

The officials said Amos Gikunda, 36, died at the facility after they ate the meat between April 15 and 16.

They started complaining on April 18 and were advised to seek medical attention.

An alarm was raised in the village on Sunday and Monday urging locals to seek medical attention.

They were also advised against consuming un inspected meat. It is believed the cow had died out of anthrax and residents decided to consume the meat.

Local butcheries were put on notice and warned against slaughtering and selling meat without inspection from veterinary officials in the area.

More personnel were sent to the villages to conduct civic education on the disease, officials said.

They told locals to burry all carcasses of cows that die out of sickness and revealed there was an outbreak of anthrax in the area.

Other reports locals were not taking the advise hence the infections.

Anthrax is a disease that is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis bacteria.

The bacteria are found naturally in soil around the world and often affect livestock and wild animals. People usually get sick if they come in contact with anthrax spores in infected animals or contaminated animal products.

Infection typically occurs by contact with the skin, inhalation or intestinal absorption.

The skin form presents with a small blister with surrounding swelling that often turns into a painless ulcer with a black centre.

The intestinal form presents with diarrhoea (which may contain blood), abdominal pains, nausea and vomiting.

Immunising animals against anthrax is recommended in areas where previous infections have occurred.