Panic has gripped Gatanga residents in Murang’a County after dozens of people were hospitalized following the consumption of contaminated meat suspected to be infected with anthrax.
According to the Murang’a County Health Department, more than 20 residents sought treatment at various local health facilities after developing symptoms linked to anthrax. Most of those affected are adults.
The county’s health director, James Mbugua, confirmed that swift action was taken in collaboration with national government officials to manage the situation and offer medical attention to the affected individuals.”We responded immediately after reports emerged of a possible anthrax outbreak. The patients are receiving treatment and are currently in stable condition,” said Mbugua.
Authorities have since urged residents to refrain from consuming uninspected meat and to avoid any contact with sick animals, warning that such practices pose serious health risks.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for stricter meat inspection and public awareness on zoonotic diseases, especially in rural areas where meat from unregulated sources is sometimes consumed.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation as investigations into the source of the contaminated meat are underway
