Three die after eating infected meat

By Luke Anami and Jackline Inyanji

KAKAMEGA, KENYA: Three people are feared dead in Musoli, Kakamega County after they reportedly feasted on infected meat.

The cow is believed to have been infected with the deadly Anthrax. Reports from the village indicate the three men decided to skin the dead animal oblivious of the danger it posed.

Francis Shikokoti succumbed to death soon after skinning the animal and eating part of its meat. The names of the other two were yet to be disclosed as their next of kin have not been informed.

Those who ate part of the meat are also in serious condition with some reportedly having developed swollen hands and scars on their bodies.

Public Health Officer Josephat Matikho was in the morning at the scene inspecting the carcass to ascertain the disease that killed the cow.

Anthrax, the disease suspected to have led to the death of the three young men, is an acute disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.

Most forms of the disease are lethal, and it affects both humans and animals. When spores are inhaled, ingested, or come into contact with a skin lesion on a host, they may become reactivated and multiply rapidly.