Kenya: Wajir county RVF outbreak contained, meat ban lifted /update 3

Event

Health officials in Wajir county lifted a ban on meat and dairy consumption originally instituted to counter an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) on Thursday, July 5, after declaring the RVF outbreak contained. The current outbreak of RVF began in Wajir county but spread to other counties, to include Marsabit and Siaya. As of late-June, at least 54 cases had been confirmed nationwide in the outbreak, including 11 associated deaths. As of early July, it was not clear whether RVF remained active in Marsabit and Siaya counties.

Context

Rift Valley Fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever that is generally contracted via contact with the carcasses of infected animals, but can also be transmitted through ticks and biting midges. Symptoms generally include hemorrhagic fever, headaches, and muscle pains, while more severe symptoms include loss of sight and brain inflammation, which can cause seizures and headaches. Fatalities occur in less than 1 percent of infected individuals.

Advice

Despite the improvement to the situation, individuals present in affected areas are advised to take measures to protect themselves from insect bites, e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito-netting or in an air-conditioned room. Those present in affected areas should also avoid all contact with farm animals. Individuals exhibiting any of the above symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.