Rift Valley Fever outbreak reported in Kenya
FEB 23, 2021
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The WHO has reported an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in two counties in Kenya: Isiolo (Central Kenya) and Mandera (NE corner). Between Nov 2020 and Feb 2021, 32 human cases and 11 deaths have been reported.
RVF is a zoonosis, i.e. a disease caught from animals. It occasionally jumps species into humans and can rarely cause a fatal haemorrhagic fever. Direct human-to-human transmission (i.e. not via mosquito) has so far not been reported with RVF.
The risk to travellers is very rare, although increased if in contact with animals and animal tissues, or visiting areas affected by an outbreak. Those at increased risk should:
- Avoid direct contact with animals e.g. horse riding, (or use PPE if contact is unavoidable)
- Avoid consuming unpasteurised milk/dairy products and raw meat (e.g. biltong)
- Take extra care to protect themselves against mosquito bites
