More than 70 people from Masaita village in Kericho County, Kenya, were hospitalized after drinking qcontaminated Mursik, a locally fermented milk.
The affected individuals, including children, fell ill during a church graduation party. They were rushed to Londiani Sub County Hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
Hospital officials confirmed that the victims experienced symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea shortly after consuming the milk.
Maureen Chepkoech, a nurse at the facility, revealed that the majority of the patients were women, children, and elderly individuals. "This is the second case of food poisoning we have handled in a short period," she added.
The contaminated Mursik was reportedly supplied by a well-known local vendor. Authorities are now investigating the source of the contamination and have urged residents to prioritize food safety.
Nine of the affected children suffered from severe dehydration, making the situation even more critical.
Victims shared their experiences, describing severe stomach pain, joint pain, and vomiting. "We are grateful to be alive because things could have been much worse," said one male victim.
Another victim, Betty Kirui, expressed concern for her two children and husband, who were also admitted to the hospital.
Food poisoning from Mursik is a recurring issue in Kenya, particularly in the Rift Valley region where the drink is popular.
In 2020, a similar incident in Bungoma County left 20 people hospitalized, including eight children.
Mursik is a traditional Kenyan beverage made by fermenting raw milk in a gourd or calabash. It is often mixed with herbs or ash to enhance its flavor.
However, its preparation sometimes lacks proper hygiene, increasing the risk of contamination.
Local leaders and health officials are now emphasizing the importance of safe preparation and consumption of Mursik. They have urged residents to follow hygiene practices to prevent future incidents.
This incident highlights the need for stricter health and safety standards in food preparation. As investigations continue, the affected families are focusing on recovery, hoping to prevent such an unfortunate event from happening again.
Authorities have promised to address the root causes of this issue to ensure the safety of local delicacies like Mursik, which remains a beloved part of Kenyan culture.
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