Anthrax scare as six hospitalized in Thika with symptoms

The Department of Health Services in Kiambu has closed the Thika slaughter house indefinitely after a suspected outbreak of anthrax in the area.

In a statement to the press, Director of Clinical Services Kiambu County, Dr Jacob Toro, says that six people, are all meat loaders at a slaughter house in Makongeni, Thika, are currently admitted with suspected Anthrax at Thika Level Five Hospital.

“They were admitted with coetaneous lesions and samples were taken yesterday (Wednesday) to the Vet lab in Kabete by the disease surveillance team,” said Mr Toro.

“Treatment is ongoing and they are all stable in our isolation ward.”

While Dr Toro was keen to note that the results were not out by close of business Wednesday, he, however, cautioned the public against consuming meat which is not inspected by the authorities.

The Kiambu County Health department has also posted CDC case definitions for Anthrax and an example of a previous emergency response in Nakuru for the same.

Anthrax is spread by contact with the spores of the bacteria, which are often from infectious animal products.

Vaccines against anthrax for use in livestock and humans have had a prominent place in the history of medicine.