Muranga village under anthrax quarantine after 300 fall ill, dogs die
A village in Kahumbu Ward, Kigumo Constituency, Muranga County has been placed under quarantine following the spread of anthrax.
According to the Center for Disease Control, anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by rod-shaped bacteria that occurs naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals. Humans can get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. It can cause severe illness in both humans and animals.
In a statement issued on February 13, 2024, Muranga County Governor Irungu Kang’ata said the Gatunduguru village had been placed on quarantine beginning February 3, 2024 and will end on February 17, 2024.
“The Count Government has rolled out the following measures to combat anthrax cases reported in Kigumo: The County Government has provided a fully-equipped mobile clinic that will go around villages in the ward treating those who have been affected. The County will support families impacted by quarantine. Residents are urged to dial #267# to request veterinary services from the county,” said Governor Kang’ata.
Additionally, residents were advised to avoid incidences in future where unauthorized vets checked their animals. Currently, the matter has been reported to police and legal action will be taken.
The quarantine comes days after reports of 300 Muranga residents fell ill last week after eating contaminated meat. According to a Nation.Africa report, two grade cows belonging to Mr Christopher Ngugi died of suspected anthrax and because he did not want to lose an investment of Sh 300,000, he had a local vet inspect the carcass and was informed one of them was fit for human consumption.
He sold the meat cheaply in Kanguku, Karabai, Githembe, Kagwathi and Gwa Kiongo villages where excited residents feasted on the meat before some of them began showing symptoms of anthrax while dogs began dropping dead.
Police reported symptoms such as swellings on their skin, sore skin, running stomachs and nausea among the victims. Muranga County Health Directorate urged them to present themselves to designated hospitals for treatment.
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