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Avoid eating meat from dead animals – Ministry of Health tells Kenyans

Roasted meat on a grill. PHOTO | FILE

The Ministry of Health has warned Kenyans against engaging in illicit sex during the Christmas festivity season.

In an advisory statement on Friday, December 22, Public Health and Professional Standard Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni Muriuki also warned Kenyans not to consume dead animals and birds.

“Do not consume meat from animals that have been slaughtered and uninspected by a certified officer, avoid eating meat from dead animals or birds,” PS Muthoni said.

She said MoH continues working with the county governments to ensure the upholding of good health among the public.

MoH said that the El Nino rains that are currently being experienced in most parts of the country have posed an enormous health risk, due to water pollution.

The ministry has cautioned that using polluted waters in public events such as wedding ceremonies, are vulnerable to waterborne diseases such as cholera, and also vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Chikunguya.

“The ministry recognises that some areas will continue receiving substantial rains, this may continue to pose negative health impacts including possible pollution of water with other waste matter including fecal matter as well as industrial waste, especially in urban town,” the statement read.

She stressed that people conducting these events should observe public health measures which include: the provision of sanitary facilities such as hand washing points and latrines, proper hygiene while handling food, serving boiled or treated water and eating meat that has been inspected by a certified officer, failure to which, a health risks will be on the rise.

“It should be noted that such ceremonies and gatherings negatively affect our health especially if public health measures are not fully observed,” it stated.

Additionally, Muthoni said the Ministry is fully aware of many ceremonies that communities undertake during this festive season such as weddings, and circumcision among others.

“It should be noted that such ceremonies and gatherings negatively affect our health especially if public health measures are not fully observed,” she said.

She cautioned against consuming meat from animals that have been slaughtered and not inspected by a certified officer.

“Avoid eating meat from dead animals or birds (not slaughtered),” Muthoni said.

“Anyone hosting a ceremony should ensure adequate provision of sanitary facilities including handwashing points and latrines.”

She urged that Kenyans observe proper hygiene when handling food.

“Cook and serve food when still hot. Any leftovers must be stored safely and heated well before eating,” she said.

The Ministry urged the public to utilize emergency helplines for assistance.