The Government issued an alert for a possible outbreak of the deadly Rift Valley Fever in Nairobi, Baringo and Mombasa Counties.
According to a statement released on Monday, the prolonged rainfall could see 17 flood-prone counties affected by the deadly disease.
A joint statement from the Ministries of Health and Agriculture maintained that no case of the zoonotic disease has yet been identified in either livestock or humans.
“The last major outbreak was in 2006/2007, after the end of the El Nino rains and resulted in approximately 160 human deaths and up to Sh4 billion losses in the livestock sector,” Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Obadiah Njagi and his medical services counterpart Dr Kioko Jackson stated.
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However, herders, slaughterhouse workers, farmers and veterinarians have been placed on high alert as the as livestock infection could affect human beings if they get into contact with blood or tissues from infected animals.
The government officials further asked members of the public to exercise more caution while slaughtering livestock in their homes without requisite veterinary inspection.
Dr Kioko stated: “Slaughter, butchering and consumption of sick animals or dead livestock should be avoided.”
He added: “Those who sleep during the daytime, particularly children, or sick or older people, insecticide-treated mosquito nets afford good protection. Mosquito coils or other insecticide vaporisers may also reduce indoor biting.”
The government has asked Kenyans if they experience fever from an unknown origin to report to the nearest health facility for treatment.
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According to the WHO, the disease causes mild flu-like illness in humans to a severe haemorrhagic fever that can lead to death. It can cause huge economic losses, especially with the deaths of livestock and trade reductions.
