Meru: Authorities in Meru County have shifted focus to uninspected meat vending, following an anthrax outbreak in Antubochiu Ward, Igembe South Constituency, that claimed one life and exposed hundreds to infection to the deadly animal disease.
According to Kenya News Agency, county officials, speaking at Nyambene Level 4 Hospital, where affected residents received treatment, stated that the incident was triggered by the consumption of meat from a cow that had already been condemned as unfit for human consumption. Health Chief Officer, Dr. Koome Muthuri, mentioned that a rapid response team was deployed immediately after the first case was reported, leading to the tracing of 256 individuals who may have consumed the contaminated meat. Only 10 developed symptoms and were treated, while the rest were given preventive medication. Dr. Muthuri emphasized that no patient is currently admitted and that the situation is under control, but the incident highlights the risks associated with ignoring public health directives.
Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Chief Officer, Baituti Isaiah, revealed that the cow had been inspected and found to have signs of anthrax, with the owner instructed to dispose of the carcass. However, the directive was ignored, and the meat was sold within the community. The Chief Officer noted that the Ward is served by seven slaughterhouses and four inspection officers, insisting that the County has sufficient personnel to oversee meat safety. He clarified that this was not a failure of the system but a case of individuals bypassing established procedures, and mentioned that enforcement is being strengthened to prevent recurrence. Livestock officers, alongside local administrators, had earlier warned residents against consuming the meat, but the advice was disregarded.
In response to the outbreak, the county has intensified livestock vaccination campaigns, urging farmers to present their animals for immunisation against diseases such as foot and mouth, among others. Leaders from the region have called for accountability and urged residents to prioritize their safety when purchasing meat. Igembe East Member of the County Assembly (MCA), Murithi Mutiria, called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for distributing the contaminated meat, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to public health regulations. He stressed that people must only buy meat from licensed butcheries that have been inspected and approved, noting that the tragedy could have been avoided.
Njia Ward MCA, Ali Mwenda, confirmed that only one fatality was recorded and lauded healthcare workers at Nyambene Hospital for effectively handling the situation. Maua MCA, Duncan Kangwanga, commended the Hospital for providing free treatment to victims and maintaining adequate medical supplies, urging leaders to avoid politicizing the incident. Hospital Board member, Mike Kobia, warned against exploiting the situation for political mileage, noting that the facility continues to improve its capacity, including the recent acquisition of a CT scan machine.
County officials say they will roll out intensified public awareness campaigns on food safety and enforce stricter controls on meat inspection and distribution. Residents have been urged to avoid consuming meat from unknown or unverified sources, as authorities move to tighten oversight and prevent future outbreaks.
