The Meru County government has declared an anthrax outbreak among humans. As a result, the county government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of farmers who do not vaccinate their animals.
“This is to notify you of the outbreak of the above notifiable disease (anthrax) within Meru County,” said Samuel Njuguna, Deputy County Commissioner.
The Deputy Commissioner issued additional directives restricting home slaughter. Njuguna directed the arrest and punishment of farmers who kill animals at home for human consumption.
In a notice issued on Thursday, Njuguna mandated that all administrative officers, including chiefs, begin training on Anthrax, its transmission, consequences, and control measures.
The epidemic occurs as the government continues its statewide livestock vaccination effort to tackle diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).
The immunization began under quarantines in Kakamega County in response to an outbreak of FMD in Lugari, Likuyani, and Matete Sub-Counties.
Anthrax has been a challenge in several counties, notably Narok and Nakuru.
In 2019, an epidemic in Narok County resulted in human cases from the consumption of contaminated meat. Nakuru County has experienced several epidemics.
From 2014 to 2017, the Nakuru West sub-county reported three major outbreaks affecting humans, cattle, and wildlife in Lake Nakuru National Park.
Anthrax in humans takes four forms: cutaneous, inhalation, gastrointestinal, and injectable.
The most common variety, cutaneous anthrax, penetrates the skin by cuts or abrasions, generating an itching lump that progresses to a painless ulcer with a black core.
Though devastating if left untreated, it is the least fatal and responds well to antibiotics.
Injection anthrax, which occurs in drug users who consume contaminated heroin, causes severe soft tissue infections, organ failure, and shock. Inhalation anthrax is the most dangerous, as it occurs when spores are inhaled.
Early symptoms are similar to the flu, including fever, cough, and exhaustion, but the disease quickly progresses, resulting in severe breathing difficulties, shock, and organ failure.
Without treatment, the fatality rate is substantial, but immediate administration of antibiotics and antitoxin considerably increases survival.
Gastrointestinal anthrax, contracted by eating contaminated meat, produces nausea, vomiting, severe stomach pain, and bloody diarrhea. If neglected, it can lead to sepsis and death. Anthrax can be fatal, although early detection and treatment lower the risk.
Antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and doxycycline, as well as antitoxins, work best when given right away.
A vaccine is offered to high-risk individuals, such as military personnel and laboratory professionals.
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