15 admitted in suspected cases of anthrax

11 of the 15 of the victims were taken to Kapkatet Hospital

Panic has gripped a village in Sotik after 15 people were admitted following suspected outbreak of anthrax.

Disaster management officer Stanley Mutai said they were called on Sunday morning after the victims developed blisters on various parts of the body.

Mr Mutai said the victims exhibited anthrax symptoms, prompting swift interventions.

He said 11 of the victims were taken to Kapkatet Hospital, while three were taken to Longisa. He said they were immediately put under medication.

“Doctors told us they were out of danger," said Mutai.

Public health officers from Bomet are on high alert following suspected cases of anthrax at Emitiot B village.

Most of those found to have signs of the disease are adults and children from one extended family.

Those admitted at the two health facilities had pale wounds on their hands, heads and knees.

Area assistant chief Peter Sawe said three cows that died in the village were suspected to have had the deadly disease.

The county director of veterinary services Wilson Serem could not immediately confirm if the cases were anthrax, but noted samples from the animals that died had been taken to government laboratories for analysis.

“We are not going to rule out the disease… With the current rainy season, there are many diseases that erupt," he said.

He added that they had put in place necessary measures to contain the situation.