Toxic grain kills 26 Kenyans

2004-05-14 14:10

Nairobi - At least 26 people have died and several others have been admitted to hospital in the past month after eating toxic grain in eastern Kenya, a medical official said on Friday.

"Not less than 26 people have died here in Makindu hospital as a result of food poisoning for almost a month now," Eastern Province's public health official Joseph Matheka told reporters by phone.

All the victims had consumed infected cereals, Matheka added.

"Several others are still admitted and they are presenting the same symptoms caused by aflatoxin," a toxin that occurs in soil, decaying vegetation, hay, and grains, he said.

Incidents of food poisoning are quite common in Kenya, but they rarely cause deaths, owing to the accessibility of medical care and medication.

- AFP