At least 38 residents of Chegilet village in Emsoo ward, Elgeyo Marakwet County were on Sunday taken ill following what is suspected to be food poisoning.
The incident has been linked to milk that the victims are suspected to have drunk.
An update by the county government of Elgeyo Marakwet indicates that of the affected locals, 13 were children.
They were taken to the Iten County Referral Hospital (ICRH) for medical attention.
However, there were fatalities. Of the total admitted, 19 were later discharged and others were due to be allowed to go on today (Monday).
“Last evening, 38 residents of Chegilet Sub Location in Emsoo Ward, Keiyo North Sub-County were taken ill following a suspected food poisoning. A quick response from our health department ensured that the affected persons who included 13 children, 18 men and 7 women, were transferred to Iten County Referral Hospital (ICRH) for medical attention,” the county said in part of the statement posted on their social media pages.
“They are in stable condition and already 19 of them have been discharged. The rest are due for discharge tomorrow,” it added.
The county commended the staff including drivers and medical officers for their efforts to ensure that the patients arrived at ICRH and were attended to on time.
“We would also like to thank AIC Kermuk for their support,” it noted.
Samples of the milk linked to the incident are expected to be taken today, April 8, 2024, for analysis at the Government Public Health Laboratory.
Food poisoning is usually caused by eating something that has been contaminated with germs. This can happen if food: is not cooked or reheated thoroughly, is not stored correctly – for example, it’s not been frozen or chilled or it is left out for too long.
