Liberia: Over 30 Hospitalized in Nimba County Following Suspected Food Poisoning from Goat Soup

Food poisoning has become a grave concern in Nimba County, Liberia, as over 30 individuals have been admitted to the Jackson Fiah Doe Memorial Referral Hospital in Tappita, due to an outbreak that occurred on July 21. The victims, mainly communal farmers from the ‘Koo’ farming union and members of a single family fell ill after consuming a goat soup meal prepared by a couple known as Josiah and his wife.

Situated in the Yarwimehnson Administrative District in electoral district #9, the incident took place in Dorpa, a farming community where the couple had recently relocated. Notably, none of the couples who prepared the meal consumed any, raising suspicion about the food’s source and preparation.

Two pregnant women, who are among those affected, are reportedly in critical condition, intensifying the urgency of the situation. Initial care was provided at the Boyee Clinic, a local health facility. However, as the severity of the condition surpassed their capabilities, the victims were transferred to Jackson Fiah Doe Memorial Hospital for more specialized medical attention.

The primary suspect in this food poisoning incident is a local dish called ‘GB’, typically made from cassava, coupled with goat soup. The members of the farming union ‘Koo’, who had worked on the couple’s farm that day, consumed the meal in the afternoon. By evening, the distressing symptoms had started to manifest, initially as stomach pain, which some victims initially dismissed as a regular illness.

Eyewitness reports indicate that Josiah and his wife were assisted by an unidentified woman in cooking the meal. Interestingly, sources reveal that the goat used in the soup had been found dead on the farm earlier, with no clear cause of death. Despite advice from other family members against using the dead animal for cooking, the warnings were ignored.

Following the outbreak, local authorities in Dorpa Town called in Josiah and his family for questioning. It was during this questioning session that the daughter allegedly confessed to the dead goat incident. Subsequently, Josiah was detained by officers of the Liberia National Police in Tappita for further investigation.

Further adding to the complexity of the case, the victims also ate rice with the remaining goat soup in the evening, after having consumed the ‘GB’ earlier. Health authorities are yet to ascertain whether the rice was also contaminated or whether the lingering effects of the goat soup caused the persistent symptoms.

The incident has raised alarms among the health authorities at the Jackson Fiah Doe Memorial Referral Hospital and the local administration, who are actively involved in the investigation and provision of necessary medical assistance to the victims. As food poisoning becomes a pressing issue in the region, this event underscores the importance of proper food handling and preparation, the value of community education on food safety, and the necessity of a prompt, effective response from health and law enforcement agencies in such circumstances.

Despite the worrying situation, there has been no death reported, thanks to the quick intervention of the health authorities. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with ignoring safety advisories and the crucial role of vigilance in maintaining community health.