Villager dies from eating infected hippo meat, 11 being treated for anthrax

A 19-year-old man from Binga died from suspected anthrax, while 11 others are being treated. This comes after villagers in the Mlibizi area consumed meat from dead hippos, without knowing the cause of death of the animals. At least 16 hippos have turned up dead since the end of March and authorities are yet to verify the cause of death.

Matabeleland North Provincial Medical Director Dr Nyasha Masuka said:

A man who showed signs and symptoms of anthrax admitted to have eaten hippo meat which he was given by a relative living in Saba ward. Anthrax infected hippos started dying as from March 27 and this man consumed the meat on April 12. He had ulcers on the mouth and face and complained of severe headaches. He visited the hospital a few days ago and died within seven days,” he said.

…We have so far treated 11 people from Siansundu village for anthrax and our teams are closely monitoring 58 others who also ate meat from the dead hippos for any signs or symptoms of the disease. The samples were sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Harare for confirmation,

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