Burial Meal Turns Sour as 100 Mourners Fall Ill

At least 100 mourners fell ill after eating food served during a burial ceremony in Inoi Ward, Kirinyaga Central Sub-County, in what is being investigated as a suspected food poisoning outbreak.

The incident occurred on Friday, August 14, at the homestead of David Nyagah, where about 600 people had gathered for the burial. Several mourners later developed symptoms associated with food poisoning, prompting them to seek medical attention.

By August 17, 68 patients had been treated and discharged, while 14 others were still receiving treatment at ACK Mt. Kenya Hospital. Two of those admitted were children below the age of five.

No deaths had been reported in connection with the incident.

Also Read: Food Poisoning, Hotel Accidents: Lawyer Explains When You’re Entitled to Compensation

Mourners develop symptoms after burial meal

Those affected reported a range of symptoms, including diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches, chills and general body weakness.

However, symptoms did not appear immediately after the meal. Some of those who fell ill began experiencing them about 24 hours later, while others developed symptoms up to three days after eating the food.

Some patients also recorded high blood pressure after falling ill, adding to the concerns surrounding the outbreak.

The large gathering has raised questions about the food served during the burial and how it was prepared and handled. However, the cause of the illnesses had not been conclusively established by August 17.

Health officials are expected to establish whether the food consumed at the ceremony was responsible for the illnesses and, if so, identify the source of the contamination.

Also Read: Ebola Outbreak Turns Deadly as Conflict Destroys Containment Efforts in Congo

No deaths reported

Despite the number of people affected, there were no reported deaths following the outbreak.

Most of those who sought treatment were discharged after their condition improved, while 14 patients remained admitted at ACK Mt. Kenya Hospital as of August 17.

The incident has highlighted the health risks that can arise when large numbers of people are served food at public gatherings, particularly where food is prepared and stored in large quantities.

Further investigations will be important in determining what caused the illnesses and whether any food safety measures were breached during the preparation or serving of the meal.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates

Photo of Kirinyaga County. PHOTO/Citizen Digital