74 people were admitted to a hospital after eating meat from a dead camel

Medical workers in Igembe Central, Meru County of Kenya are currently battling to save the lives of 74 people hospitalized after consuming meat from a dead camel.

The incident occurred on Thursday, September 22, 2022, after some villagers herding cattle in Maraene, Igembe central shared the meat with unsuspecting residents.

Local news platforms reported that women and children constituted the largest number of victims hospitalized at the Nyambene level Four and Maua hospital.

Damaris Kinya, one of the victims told local publications;

“My children and I had not eaten for two days because of the acute drought we are experiencing. When we were told there was a dead camel in the bush, we happily rushed to get a share of the meat without thinking twice.

“After eating we all started vomiting and diarrhea. I found myself in the hospital together with my children.”

Githu Wachira, a doctor at Nyambene Hospital said the facility has received more than 74 patients who had consumed the meat in question.

Wachira said;

“We have so far treated and admitted 74 patients majority being women and children suffering from food poisoning. The patients who were in critical condition experienced headaches, vomiting and diarrhea but doctors worked round the clock to save their lives.”