Nairobi Residents At Health Risk As Unprocessed Pork From Kiambu County Hits Butcheries

• Nairobi residents have been warned about an influx of unprocessed pork from Kiambu County, which could cause potential health risks
• This is after a study showed that out of every 100 pigs sampled, around 34 were found to carry parasites
• Further statistics estimate that Kenyans consume about 400 tons of pork annually

A recent study has raised alarms over the potential health risks associated with unprocessed pork from Kiambu County that is being sold in Nairobi.

Details indicate that approximately one million people residing in and around the country's capital may be at risk of contracting a harmful parasite from pork sold in the region.

Statistics estimate that Kenyans consume about 400 tons of pork annually, narrowed down to about 0.4 kilograms per person, Nation reports.

Over 30% of pigs sampled infected

The research was conducted collaboratively by scientists from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the University of Nairobi's Department of Public Health Pharmacology and Toxicology and the University of Liverpool's Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences.

In the study published by the journal MDPI, out of every 100 pigs sampled by the researchers, around 34 were found to carry the Toxoplasma gondii parasite.

Commonly referred to as T. gondii, this parasite poses a significant public health risk, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems and expectant mothers.

"Pigs have evidence of infection with T. gondii and that small farm size and increased live weight are important risk factors,” read part of the research.

Parasite can be transmitted to humans

According to scientists, the parasite can be transmitted to humans if they consume raw or undercooked pork, exposing them to potential infection.

The silver lining is that individuals with robust immune systems are less likely to face severe consequences when infected with T. gondii.

However, those with compromised immune systems, for instance, HIV and AIDS patients, cancer patients, people with diabetes, pregnant women, the elderly, and young children, are at risk of experiencing severe health complications.

The findings shed light on the urgent need for enhanced monitoring and regulation of pork processing practices in the region to mitigate the potential health threats posed by T. gondii.

MOH concerned about food handling

The study comes less than two weeks since the Ministry of Health expressed concern over the likelihood of diseases from improper food and water handling.

One area of concern was the consumption of meat from animals that certified officers did not inspect.

The clarion call was the ministry's attempt to avert the crises of waterborne diseases and others caused by improper food handling, such as Cholera.