Thirty-three villagers were rushed to Nyamira County Referral Hospital after suffering acute food poisoning linked to the consumption of meat from a dead cow. The incident occurred on Thursday, September 4, in Nyakeore Village, Nyamira South Sub-County.
According to county health officials, the villagers fell ill shortly after eating the contaminated meat. Symptoms of poisoning prompted an emergency response, with the county’s disease surveillance team evacuating the affected individuals for urgent treatment. Fortunately, all patients were stabilised and are currently out of danger.
Health experts have raised concerns over the dangers of consuming meat from animals that die under unclear circumstances. Such meat poses serious health risks, including bacterial infections, chemical contamination, and the possibility of zoonotic diseases that can spread from animals to humans.
To prevent a repeat of this incident, a joint team of public health officers and veterinary professionals is conducting investigations in Nyakeore. Their work involves contact tracing, case finding, and assessing whether any more residents may have consumed the meat. The team is also expected to educate the community on the risks of eating uninspected animal products.
The Nyamira County Government, through its Health and Agriculture Departments, has urged residents to exercise caution and avoid consuming meat from animals that have not been examined and cleared by veterinary authorities. Locals have been encouraged to immediately report any suspected cases of food poisoning or incidents involving the slaughter of animals that die of unknown causes.
Food safety remains a major public health concern, particularly in rural areas where cultural practices and limited awareness may lead to dangerous choices. Experts emphasize that ensuring meat is sourced from safe, inspected, and licensed outlets is critical in safeguarding community health.
This latest case serves as a reminder of the importance of food hygiene, surveillance, and timely reporting of suspicious cases. Authorities are expected to enhance community awareness campaigns to reduce similar health risks in the future.
