Health officials in Vihiga County have confirmed an outbreak of cutaneous anthrax in Emuhaya Sub-County following the handling and consumption of meat from a cow that died suddenly.
The incident occurred at Ebusunzo Village in Emukolla Sub-location, West Bunyore Ward. Two human cases linked to the infected animal have been reported, with one fatality confirmed.
County Director of Public Health Martin Otsosi said the affected individuals handled or ate meat from the carcass.
Cutaneous anthrax, the most common form in humans, typically enters through cuts or abrasions on the skin after contact with infected animals or their products.
Enhanced Surveillance Underway
The county government has activated rapid response measures. Teams are conducting active case search and close monitoring in the affected area and surrounding villages to prevent further spread.
Officials have issued a strong warning to residents: avoid handling or consuming meat from any animal that dies unexpectedly. Such carcasses should be reported immediately to veterinary officers or public health teams for safe disposal and testing.
“Response teams are already on the ground and further interventions are ongoing to contain the situation and prevent additional infections,” Otsosi assured the public.
Risks and Prevention
Anthrax is a serious bacterial disease that affects livestock and can spread to humans. In animals, it often causes sudden death without obvious prior signs. In people, cutaneous anthrax starts as a small sore that develops into a painless ulcer with a black centre, accompanied by swelling.
Health experts stress that proper cooking does not always destroy anthrax spores if the meat comes from an infected animal. The safest approach remains avoiding meat from sudden livestock deaths altogether.
Vihiga borders several counties, including Siaya, where authorities have already issued alerts to residents near the border to remain vigilant.
One Health Approach Recommended
The outbreak highlights the close link between animal and human health. Veterinary teams are expected to work alongside public health officers to trace other possible animal cases, dispose of carcasses safely through deep burial or incineration, and consider targeted livestock vaccination in high-risk zones.
Farmers and butchers in the region have been urged to exercise caution and only source meat from inspected slaughterhouses or healthy animals.
County officials say they are monitoring the situation closely and will provide regular updates.
Residents experiencing skin lesions, swelling, or fever after contact with animals should seek medical attention immediately, as early antibiotic treatment is highly effective for cutaneous anthrax.
This latest incident adds to periodic anthrax reports in western Kenya, where livestock rearing is common and occasional outbreaks occur when spores in the soil infect grazing animals during dry or wet seasons.
