A total of thirty eight people have been hospitalized in West Pokot county after consuming an infected meat from a sick cow.
Three people have been admitted at Chepareria sub county hospital where they are undergoing treatment while thirty two others were treated and discharged at the Kaibichbich health center.
Confirming the incident, West Pokot county acting director of health Dr. Robert Abuya said that the affected are from Chepkono village, South Pokot sub county.
“Many residents were affected but treated and were allowed to go home,” he said.
Abuya said that three people were treated and discharged Friday morning and are now in a stable condition.
The health director said that the residents ate meat of the sick cow which was undergoing treatment.
“The cow was under treatment and residents feasted on meat that was infected. The cow was not inspected but locals decided to eat the meat.” Abuya said.
He said that a team of medical officers have been sent to the area to do surveillance and determine the disease the cow was suffering from.
“Our medical officers are on the ground and soon we shall know what was the cause of the problem,” he said.
Abuya called on residents in the county to shun eating any dead animal that has not been inspected saying the animal may be suffering rom a deadly disease that may affect them.
“Residents should make sure that they eat properly inspected meat to avoid being infected. We want locals to be careful when eating meat,” said Abuya.