NAKURU RESIDENTS CONTRACT CUTANEOUS ANTHRAX AFTER EATING BAD MEAT

Mr Daniel Kipyegon (left) receives treatment at Lenginet Level Two Hospital in Rongai, Nakuru County on July 1, 2016 after developing complications having feasted on a carcass of a cow infected with anthrax a few weeks ago. Public health officials are on high alert following outbreak of the disease in Nakuru after residents consumed meat from 10 cow carcasses. PHOTO | SULEIMAN MBATIAH | NATION MEDIA GROUP

By MAGDALENE WANJA
Public health officials in Nakuru are on high alert after scores of residents were treated at health centres in Rongai sub-County with symptoms of cutaneous anthrax after consuming infected cow carcasses.
Seventy four people, among them 15 children, have from Monday been treated for cutaneous anthrax — the most common form of anthrax infection and that is also considered to be the least dangerous according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The residents are said to have consumed meat from 10 infected cow carcasses between June 17th and 20th, only for them to develop symptoms for cutaneous anthrax less than 10 days later.

Nursing officer in charge at Lenginet Level Two Hospital Khalid Kibet said the first cases were reported on Monday morning when young man brought himself for check up with wounds on his earlobes and hands.

“Cutaneous anthrax usually affects the skin which usually present itself as a raised, itchy bump resembling an insect bite that quickly develops into a painless sore with a black centre,” Mr Khalid said.

While urging the residents to ensure that they only feed on inspected meat, Mr Kibet urged them to seek medical help if they develop the symptoms.

According to the area residents, some of the meat from the carcasses was ferried to several areas in Nakuru including Salgaa, Kimango, Lenginet center and Nakuru town.

“I came home with the meat on Saturday June 18th and I took it with my family. On Sunday (a week later), I developed some itchy sores on my face and on Wednesday the situation grew worse and I visited the health centre,” said 17-year-old victim Gideon Ombati.

Ministry of Health officer at Rongai sub-County Stephen Belio said they had already begun a sensitisation exercise on precaution measures to ensure no lives are lost.

SOURCE: NATION MEDIA