117 Hospitalised In Meru After Consuming Suspected Anthrax-Infected Meat
News Updated: 16 April 2026 17:29 EAT
At least 117 people have been hospitalised in Meru County after consuming meat from a cow suspected to have died from Anthrax, in an incident that has triggered alarm among health authorities.
The patients were admitted to Nyambene Level Four Hospital in Igembe South after developing symptoms linked to the bacterial infection, prompting an urgent medical response.
Medical Officer Githu Wachira confirmed that eight of those hospitalised have already tested positive for anthrax, with additional samples still undergoing laboratory analysis.
Health officials indicated that the affected individuals reportedly consumed the meat from the animal before its condition was established, raising concerns over food safety practices in the area.
Authorities have since launched contact tracing efforts to identify more individuals who may have consumed the contaminated meat but have not yet reported to health facilities.
Medical teams at the hospital are administering antibiotics and closely monitoring patients, noting that early detection and treatment significantly improve recovery outcomes.
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease transmitted from infected animals to humans, commonly through ingestion, inhalation, or contact with contaminated animal products.
Officials have warned residents against consuming meat from animals that die suddenly or under unclear circumstances, as such cases may indicate infectious diseases.
Public health teams have also been dispatched to the affected area to conduct surveillance, community sensitisation, and containment measures.
The outbreak has renewed scrutiny on informal slaughtering practices and livestock disease monitoring in rural parts of Meru County.
Investigations into the source of the infected animal are ongoing, with authorities maintaining heightened vigilance to prevent further spread of the disease.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD