A suspected aflatoxicosis outbreak is being reported in Tanzania. The World Health Organization (WHO) was informed of the situation by the Ministry of Health in late June.
Since June 1, sporadic cases, presenting with symptoms and signs on abdominal distention, jaundice, vomiting, swelling of lower limbs, with a few cases of fever and headache, from Dodoma and Manyara Regions in Tanzania.
As of Aug. 11, a total of 53 cases and 8 deaths have been reported as from Chemba, Kondoa and Kiteto Districts. The situation is under investigation.
Aflatoxin is a potent toxin and a very serious health issue in many parts of the developing world. Major outbreaks have been seen in Africa, India, Malaysia and Taiwan over the years.
This mycotoxin is a natural toxin produced as a secondary metabolite to certain strains of the fungus Aspergillus, in particular Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus.
The toxin is then excreted onto plants or pre-processed foods, some intended for human consumption.
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