Rift Valley Fever hits parts of Mandera county

The county government has issued an alert after samples taken to Kenya Medical Research Institute tested positive for the virus.(Courtesy)

MANDERA—An outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) has hit Mandera county. The disease reported in Elwak sub county.

The county government has issued an alert after samples taken to Kenya Medical Research Institute tested positive for the virus.

Out of (44) samples,  forty two (42) tested negative with the two positive cases involving a sheep and a goat.

Speaking to the press, Mandera deputy governor Mohamed Arai said  no cases of human infections have been reported.

“Suspected animals in that region have been quarantined under strict supervision,” said Mr. Arai.

“Refrain from eating beef or drinking raw milk and all slaughterhouses around El Wak will be closed with immediate effect,” added the deputy governor.

Pastoralist who reside within the county now fear  there only means of  livelihood is threatened.

The news is a huge blow to the pastoralist and the resident who have been urged to report any cases of sickness to the nearest veterinary offices, area chiefs and Sub county officers stationed at Sub county level to avoid the spread of the disease.

The county health department is asking for any assistance from the government and any humanitarian organization to contain the situation.

The disease is believed to have spread from Wajir county where at least six people have died from the fever following  livestock migration.

When livestock are infected, the disease can cause significant economic losses due to high mortality rate in young animals and waves of abortions in pregnant females.

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.