Ten new cases of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) have been reported in Wajir County which shares border with Somalia barely a week after the disease killed five.
The virus of the disease is transmitted to human beings by mosquitoes.
Among the infected are two men who had consumed meat from a sick camel a week prior to their admission at the Wajir County Referral hospital.
Speaking to the media, Director of Veterinary Services Obadiah Njagi said surveillance has been intensified across Wajir County.
The official said more samples have been sent to Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) just weeks prior sample tested positive for the virus.
The outbreak is worrying and so additional laboratory samples from suspect human and animal cases are currently being collected for further testing,” he said.
He advised residents in areas bordering Wajir to be on the lookout for signs of the disease, which affects both livestock and humans.
“Pastoralists in Danaba, Shirshir, Elrhamu, Dandu, Kutulo and Burumayo and other areas bordering Wajir should report any suspected signs of this disease to our officers immediately,” he said.
“A joint multi agency RVF outbreak preparedness committee comprising of public and animal health experts from the government and non-governmental agencies have been set up to provide weekly situation reports to the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Health,” he noted.
Ban on meat
Wajir county’s health Chief executive ,Abdihakim Billow last week banned meat and milk consumption in Eldas and Wajir West sub-counties.
“We have effected a ban on meat and milk consumption in Eldas and Wajir West sub-counties and up-scaling of food quality control in the other four sub-counties as a measure to prevent further spread,” he said.
The Rift Valley Fever is a viral disease that affects mainly animals and occasionally humans and is frequently reported following heavy rainfall and floods
Discussion about this post