Clinical Updates
29 December 2006
Rift Valley Fever in Kenya
As of 27 December 2006, the Kenyan Ministry of Health reported 32 cases and 19 deaths from Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in the North Eastern province of Kenya [1]. The affected areas are all in close proximity to the province’s capital city Garissa.
An international response to the outbreak has been launched and the Kenyan Ministry of Health is carrying out clinical case management, surveillance and mosquito net distribution. However, access to the area is difficult due to recent flooding.
Rift Valley Fever
RVF is caused by a virus of the family Bunyaviridae. It is primarily a zoonosis affecting domestic animals including cattle, goats, and sheep, and may cause substantial morbidity and mortality in the animals. The virus can be transmitted to humans following a bite from an infected mosquito (most commonly Aedes spp and Culex spp mosquitoes), or contact with body fluids or organs from an infected animal.
The majority of cases of RVF are brief influenza-like illnesses, however about 1% of patients will develop more severe manifestations of meningoencephalitis or haemorrhagic fever [2].
Advice for travellers
Although travellers are unlikely to be visiting Garissa at this time, humanitarian and relief workers may be going to the area to assist with flood rescue. Vigilant insect bite avoidance measures should be taken. Those who may have contact with infected animals should ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent exposure to their blood and body fluids. There is no commercially available vaccine for humans.
Flooding in the area has contaminated local water supplies and disrupted the sanitation system, resulting in an increased risk of food and water borne illnesses. Travellers should practice strict food and water hygiene precautions and ensure that appropriate vaccinations are up to date.
References
1. World Health Organization. Rift Valley Fever in Kenya - update. 27 December 2006. [accessed 29 December 2006] Available at http://www.who.int/csr/don/2006_12_27/en/index.html
2. World Health Organization. Rift Valley Fever fact sheet. Revised September 2000. [accessed 29 December 2006] Available at http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs207/en/index.html
Link to further information
World Health Organization. Flooding in the Horn of Africa: major health risks
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