Aflatoxin B1 (a mould toxin, not an infectious pathogen) Kenya · 2004

Aflatoxin poisoning outbreak linked to maize, Eastern and Central provinces, Kenya, 2004

CDC reported 317 cases of acute aflatoxin poisoning and 125 deaths, a case fatality rate of 39 percent, in Eastern and Central provinces of Kenya as of 20 July 2004. Most cases were in Makueni and Kitui districts. CDC attributed the outbreak to widespread aflatoxin contamination of locally grown maize that had been stored damp after a February harvest during heavy rains. In a market survey, 182 of 342 maize samples exceeded 20 parts per billion of aflatoxin B1.¹

Counts as reported on 20 July 2004.¹ Food vehicle: Locally grown maize stored damp.

Timeline

1. February 2004Maize harvested during peak rains, according to CDC.¹
2. March 2004First illnesses reported in Makueni district in late March to early April.¹
3. 10 May 2004Household food sampling began (10 to 19 May).¹
4. 3 September 2004CDC published its report in MMWR.¹

Sources

1. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MMWR 53(34), Outbreak of Aflatoxin Poisoning, Eastern and Central Provinces, Kenya, January to July 2004 (3 September 2004)