Two people have been confirmed dead and nine others admitted in hospital following suspected anthrax outbreak in Meru County.
Reports indicate the nine are currently admitted at Muthara Sub-County hospital.
The county has sent blood samples to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRi) for further examination.
“Two patients died due to the infection and samples have been sent to Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) in Nairobi for confirmatory tests,” said Meru County’s Director of Communication Purity Nkirote.
Some of the patients told the doctors that they had consumed a carcass of a cow.
Others blamed their ailment on insect bites.
Health experts have urged locals to watch out for signs and symptoms, including face inflammation, breathing problems and unexplained wounds.
Early April, 10 buffaloes reportedly succumbed to the bacterial disease.
The Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) said the government was in control of the situation.
“We have taken surveillance action and everything now is under control as our veterinary doctors are on the ground vaccinating the buffaloes and monitoring the situation,” KWS spokesperson Paul Githitu said.
Read:10 Buffaloes Die Of Anthrax In Lake Nakuru National Park
The officials blamed the prolonged drought for the outbreak.
In January, anthrax cases were reported in the neighbouring Tharaka-Nitghi county.
Three people were admitted at Chuka County Referral Hospital while at least 10 were examined at various facilities and discharged.
Many others were said to be nursing symptoms at their homes in parts including Mitheru and Ndagani.
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