Rift Valley Fever hits livestock in Tana River County

Cases of Rift Valley Fever have been reported in Dhidhe Ade in Tana River County with more than 20 livestock affected.(Courtesy)

By Kevin Kyalo

TANA RIVER—Cases of Rift Valley Fever have been reported in Dhidhe Ade, Tana Delta in Tana River County with more than 20 livestock affected.

Speaking to journalists in Hola, County Director of Veterinary Services Anthony Kinyua said residents of Dhidhe Ade reported the symptoms on Monday after which further tests proved positive.

“Residents reported symptoms such as red urine and red feaces. The veterinary team rushed to carry out further tests that emerged positive,” the County Director noted.

“As a result, all animals in the Tana Delta have been quarantined,” Mr Kinyua added.

Residents have being urged to refrain from eating beef or drinking raw milk while all slaughterhouses have been issued with a directive to shut down with immediate effect.

The virus infects humans through inoculation, for example via a wound from an infected knife or through contact with broken skin, or through inhalation of aerosols produced during the slaughter of infected animals.

While no case of human death has been reported in Tana River, Residents have been cautioned not to handle sick animals either by slaughtering them or assisting them in giving birth.

The other mode of transmission from animals is by mosquitoes .Human infections have also resulted from the bites of infected mosquitoes, most commonly the Aedes and Culex mosquitoes, as well as from bites of hematophagous (blood-feeding) flies.

Those residing from Dhidhe Ade have been urged to sleep under mosquito nets to minimize the chances of acquiring RVF through mosquito bites.

Mr Kinyua finally noted that vector control measures are ongoing with further surveillance being done to assess its spread.

The fever was first reported earlier this month in Wajir County. A task force made up of the national and county government officials was established to respond to the situation.

It has spread in the North Eastern counties bringing the death toll to 13. Hundreds of livestock have also died in the affected areas with camels and goats being the most affected.

On Tuesday, one person died as a result of RVF in Siaya County. The county government has issued an alert after samples taken to Kenya Medical Research Institute tested positive for the virus.