365 Kenyans fall sick in Embu after buying & eating contaminated meat

Embu County Government has announced doctors are treating 365 suspected cases of Anthrax in Gatumbi village.

The outbreak, which was first reported on March 18, has been linked to the consumption of contaminated meat.

The index case, identified as 73-year-old Patrick Ndwiga Njagi, had consumed meat on March 13 and developed symptoms on March 17.

He was admitted to Runyenjes Level 4 hospital where he was later transferred to Embu Level 5 hospital before succumbing to the illness on March 19.

Embu Level 5 Teaching and Referral Hospital Pulse Live Kenya

In response to the outbreak, the Department of Health has taken several measures to contain the spread of the disease.

All those who may have consumed the contaminated meat, estimated at 1,000 people, have been urged to seek medical attention.

A Baraza was organized on March 22, to create awareness and mobilize the community.

The department has also organized continuous awareness creation through Community Health Volunteers at the household level.

The animal health assistant who posed as a meat inspector and allowed contaminated meat to be sold has been identified and will be prosecuted by sub county veterinary and public health officers.

The department has also conducted continuous contact tracing within the village through community-based surveillance.

An urgent medical camp was set up at Gatumbi dispensary on March 20, where 365 clients were screened and treated for Anthrax.

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The cost of drugs was waived and the Department of Health has assured the public that investigations will continue until the situation is fully contained.

The outbreak has also affected three dogs and two cats who consumed the contaminated meat and are under veterinary surveillance.

The Department of Health has advised residents to take precautions and avoid consuming meat from unknown sources.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire Pulse Live Kenya

The situation in Gatumbi village is being closely monitored, and the Department of Health has urged residents to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms.

The outbreak has highlighted the importance of food safety and the need for stringent measures to prevent the sale of contaminated meat.