At least one person has died while 222 others were treated and discharged from hospital after consuming meat from a cow that had died of anthrax in a village in Maua, Meru County.
The death occurred in Itumi village on April 16, police said.
According to police and residents, the victims were either rushed or walked to Nyambene Sub-County Hospital after consuming meat from a cow that died in Buriemaria village on April 8, 2026.
Police said a meat inspector had recommended that the carcass be buried. However, villagers allegedly chose to slaughter and share the meat.
One of the individuals who had been hospitalised after consuming the meat died.
Following news of the death, local administrators moved quickly across the villages, urging those who had consumed the meat to seek medical attention. Subsequently, 222 people presented for treatment.
Police said data collected showed that the victims included 150 children and 72 adults.
More veterinarians were deployed to the area to help address concerns of a possible outbreak. They were also conducting immunisation of other animals in the area.
Residents have been advised to cooperate with the response teams.
Anthrax is a serious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.
The bacteria are naturally found in soil worldwide and often affect livestock and wild animals. People may become infected through contact with anthrax spores from infected animals or contaminated animal products.
Infection typically occurs through the skin, inhalation, or ingestion. The skin form presents as a small blister with surrounding swelling that may develop into a painless ulcer with a black centre.
The intestinal form presents with diarrhoea, which may contain blood, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Officials have noted that immunising animals against anthrax is recommended in areas where previous infections have occurred.
