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Two people have died in Wajir County in a suspected Rift Valley fever (RVF) outbreak which has been partly blamed on the heavy rains experienced in the county in the last few weeks.
...
The disease which is mosquito-borne has been reported in Lakoley and Basir areas in Eldas sub-county.
...
Dozens of livestock have also been reported to have died due to the outbreak.
Wajir chief health officer, Noor Sheikh Mohamed said that although the victims showed symptoms of RVF, they had sent samples of their blood to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) for further tests in order to determine if indeed it is RVF.
?For now we cannot confirm if their deaths was caused by RVF but we have sent the samples of the victims? blood to Kemri for further tests . But all signs point to RVF,? he said.
...
Dozens of livestock also reported to have died due to the outbreak.
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." -Nelson Mandela
Rift Valley fever claims four in Wajir as panic grips county
WEDNESDAY JUNE 6 2018
By BRUHAN MAKONG
Two more people have died of suspected Rift Valley fever (RVF) in Wajir, bringing death toll to four as panic grips the county.
Wajir County?s Chief Health Officer Noor Sheikh Mohamed said the two deaths occurred outside the local referral hospital but have not independently verified the report.
?We cannot exactly confirm the two deaths, but we have sent a team on the ground for confirmation since the area has low network connectivity and the victims died away from our facilities,? Mr Mohamed said.
The first two victims, both male, died on June 4 at the Wajir Referral Hospital.
...
Hundreds of livestock continue to die in the area due to the outbreak with camels and goats the most affected.
Hundreds of livestock continue to die in the area with camels and goats the most affected.
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." -Nelson Mandela
Information received on 08/06/2018 from Dr Obadiah Nyaga Njagi, Director of Veterinary Services, Directorate of Veterinary Services, State Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, NAIROBI, Kenya
Summary
Report type
Immediate notification
Date of start of the event
03/06/2018
Date of confirmation of the event
06/06/2018
Report date
08/06/2018
Date submitted to OIE
08/06/2018
Reason for notification
Recurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence
18/11/2007
Manifestation of disease
Clinical disease
Causal agent
Rift valley fever virus
Nature of diagnosis
Suspicion
This event pertains to
a defined zone within the country
New outbreaks (1)
Outbreak 1
Basir, Wajir
Date of start of the outbreak
03/06/2018
Outbreak status
Continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit
Farm
Affected animals
Species
Susceptible
Cases
Deaths
Killed and disposed of
Slaughtered
Camelidae
250
25
17
0
0
Affected population
The suspected cases were reported in a pastoral area which was experiencing floods due to heavy rainfall.
Summary of outbreaks
Total outbreaks: 1
Total animals affected
Species
Susceptible
Cases
Deaths
Killed and disposed of
Slaughtered
Camelidae
250
25
17
0
0
Outbreak statistics
Species
Apparent morbidity rate
Apparent mortality rate
Apparent case fatality rate
Proportion susceptible animals lost*
Camelidae
10.00%
6.80%
68.00%
6.80%
*Removed from the susceptible population through death, destruction and/or slaughter
Epidemiology
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection
Vectors
Epidemiological comments
The area has experienced rainfall above normal and increased mosquito population. Human cases have been reported in the region. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Livestock have started a joint investigation. Further news will be reported in follow-up reports.
Control measures
Measures applied
Movement control inside the country
Surveillance within containment and/or protection zone
Quarantine
Vector surveillance
Ante and post-mortem inspections
Vaccination permitted (if a vaccine exists)
No treatment of affected animals
Measures to be applied
No other measures
Diagnostic test results
Laboratory name and type
Species
Test
Test date
Result
Central veterinary investigation laboratory (National laboratory)
Camelidae
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
06/06/2018
Inconclusive
Future Reporting
The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." -Nelson Mandela
More deaths as Rift Valley Fever takes toll in Northern Kenya
By Kunow Abdullahi and Godfrey Oundoh |
Published Tue, June 12th 2018 at 00:00, Updated June 11th 2018 at 21:35 GMT
The death toll from the Rift Valley fever sweeping across north-eastern Kenya has risen to five. This is after a toddler died in Eldas sub-county yesterday.
According to reports from the county health department, seven other patients are admitted in various hospitals. The dead are said to have eaten suspected infected meat in Wajir last Thursday. Sample tests carried out by veterinary officers were positive.
...
Read more at: https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/arti...ve-meat-banned
Twitter: @RonanKelly13
The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.
Outbreaks and Emergencies Bulletin, Week 23 : 02 - 08 June 2018
Rift Valley Fever Kenya
10
Cases
5
Deaths
50%
CFR
EVENT DESCRIPTION
On 8 June 2018, the Kenya Ministry of Health reported an outbreak of
Rift Valley fever (RVF) in Wajir County in the north-east of the country.
The event was initially detected on 2 June 2018 when the index case, an
18-year-old male, presented to the local health facility with fever, body
weakness, bleeding from the gums and mouth and other constitutional
symptoms. The case-patient, who died on the day of admission, had
been ill for the past five days and the bleeding diathesis had lasted three
days. He (reportedly) had a history of consuming meat around 22-23
May 2018 from a camel which had been ill.
On 4 June 2018, two relatives of the index case presented to the local
referral hospital with high fever and bleeding from the mouth. One of
the case-patients, a 25-year-old male, subsequently died on the day of
admission. Blood specimens collected from the two case-patients on
4 June 2018 were shipped to the Kenya Medical Research Institute
(KEMRI) in Nairobi. Test results released by KEMRI on 6 June 2018
indicated that one of the two specimens tested positive for RVF.
As of 8 June 2018, a total of 10 suspected RVF cases, including five
deaths (case fatality rate 50%), have been reported in Wajir County.
Three case-patients have since recovered and been discharged, while
one remains in admission at Wajir County Referral hospital. Eight
additional blood specimens have been obtained and are being analysed
at the KEMRI.
The Kenya Ministry of Livestock reported a high number of deaths and
abortions among animals (especially camels and goats) occurring in the
last two months in four counties: Kadjiado (bordering Tanzania), Kitui
(east of Nairobi), Marsabit (bordering Ethiopia), and Wajir (bordering
Ethiopia and Somalia). On 8 June 2018, the Kenya Directorate of
Veterinary Services notified the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) of a suspected RVF epizootic in the country.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
On 8 June 2018, the Ministries of Health and Agriculture and Livestock held an emergency meeting, attended by WHO and partners, to review the outbreak
situation and plan for response operations. A subnational task force has been activated in Wajir County, holding meetings three times in a week.
A joint multidisciplinary national rapid response team from the Ministries of Health and Agriculture and Livestock has been deployed to the affected county to
conduct outbreak investigations and support local response.
On 7 June 2018, the health authorities in Wajir County issued a press release to inform the public about the RVF outbreak.
Active surveillance has been enhanced in the affected county, including active case search in the community and health facilities. All local health authorities in the
country have been alerted to increase vigilance and enhance preparedness measures.
A treatment centre has been established at Wajir Referral hospital.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has issued a ban on slaughtering animals for public consumption.
SITUATION INTERPRETATION
Rift Valley fever is an emerging mosquito-borne zoonotic disease that primarily affects domesticated ruminants, but can also cause severe illness in humans. Most
human infections are asymptomatic or relatively mild and the overall case fatality rate is below 1%. However, a small percentage of people develop the more severe
forms of the disease. Most human infections result from direct or indirect contact with the blood or organs of infected animals, but can also result from ingesting
unpasteurized or uncooked milk of infected animals. Less commonly, people can be infected by exposures to infected mosquitoes. No human-to-human transmission
of RVF has been documented, and no transmission of RVF to healthcare workers has been reported when standard infection control precautions have been put in place.
Aedes mosquito species are considered the main reservoir, as well as a vector for the disease. Virus replication in domestic ruminants results in high rates of mortality
and abortion. Rift Valley fever has the potential to cause serious public health impact as well major economic losses and social disruption.
The current outbreak has ecological and subregional geographical connotations. Part of the population in Wajir County is semi-nomadic, with close connections to
populations in other parts of Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia, as well as other cattle keepers in eastern Uganda and South Sudan. Livestock population movements are
high in the subregion, including cattle raiding activity between Uganda-Kenya-South Sudan. The ongoing heavy rains and flooding in Kenya (and parts of East Africa)
have also resulted in increased vector density. These factors could contribute to further spread of the disease in the subregion.
The WHO Health Emergencies Programme is currently monitoring 55 events in the region. This week’s edition covers key new and ongoing events, including:
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." -Nelson Mandela
The death toll from case of Rift Valley Fever in Wajir has risen to six after one more person died while receiving treatment.At least 10 cases have been confirmed within the area. The first case was reported on June 4 after two relatives were referred to a local hospital with high fever and bleeding from the mouth.
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." -Nelson Mandela
Information received on 15/06/2018 from Dr Obadiah Nyaga Njagi, Director of Veterinary Services, Directorate of Veterinary Services, State Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, NAIROBI, Kenya
*Removed from the susceptible population through death, destruction and/or slaughter
Epidemiology
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection
Vectors
Epidemiological comments
The area has experienced rainfall above normal and increased mosquito population. Human cases have been reported in the region. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Livestock have started a joint investigation. Further news will be reported in follow-up reports.
Control measures
Measures applied
Movement control inside the country
Surveillance within containment and/or protection zone
Quarantine
Vector surveillance
Ante and post-mortem inspections
Vaccination permitted (if a vaccine exists)
No treatment of affected animals
Measures to be applied
Vaccination in response to the outbreak (s)
Diagnostic test results
Laboratory name and type
Species
Test
Test date
Result
Central veterinary laboratory (National laboratory)
Goats
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
14/06/2018
Positive
Central veterniary laboratory (National laboratory)
Sheep
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
14/06/2018
Positive
Future Reporting
The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." -Nelson Mandela
On 8 June 2018, the Ministry of Health (MoH) for Kenya confirmed an outbreak of Rift Valley fever. The first patient was admitted to a hospital in Wajir County in north-eastern Kenya on 2 June with fever, body weakness, and bleeding from the gums and mouth. The patient reported having consumed meat from a sick animal; the patient died the same day. On 4 June, two relatives of the index patient were admitted. Blood samples were collected and sent to the Kenya Medical Research Institute, one of which was confirmed positive for Rift Valley fever on 6 June. As of 16 June, a total of 26 human cases have been reported from Wajir (24 cases) and Marsabit (2 cases) counties, including seven confirmed cases and six deaths (case fatality ratio (CFR) = 23%); six patients have been discharged while one is still hospitalized. A high number of deaths and abortions among livestock, including camels and goats, has been reported in Garissa, Kadjiado, Kitui, Marsabit, Tana River, and Wajir counties. People living in these counties were reportedly consuming meat from dead and sick animals. Public Health Response
Preparedness activities for Rift Valley fever have been ongoing since February 2018 in reaction to the heavy rains and flooding in Kenya. An alert was issued to all County Directors in February 2018 and a general national alert was communicated in May 2018.
The following actions have been taken since the outbreak was confirmed:
On 8 June, the MoH and Ministry of Agriculture convened an emergency meeting with the Ministry of Livestock (MoL) and key stakeholders. A health sector task force meeting was held, and partners pledged their support to Rift Valley fever control.
On 14 June, the MoH activated the Emergency Operations Centre, with an Event Manager and supporting technical team.
On 14 June, a multi-sectoral investigation teams has been deloyed in Wajir County to support the county health teams. Another team will soon be dispatched to support the Marsabit County team.
As part of ongoing preparedness activities, active surveillance for Rift Valley fever is being strengthened in affected and at-risk counties, as well as contact tracing in Wajir and Marsabit counties. In Wajir County, five treatment centres have been established.
Active case searching and community sensitization activities are ongoing in the affected areas. Guidelines for vector control and other informational materials have been dispatched to Wajir County, and messages are being disseminated through Community Health Volunteers.
A ban on slaughtering animals and restriction of livestock movement has been imposed in the affected areas.
WHO risk assessment
Outbreaks of Rift Valley fever are not uncommon in Kenya. The last documented outbreak occurred from November 2014 through January 2015 in north-eastern Kenya; in 2006, a large outbreak killed more than 150 people. The CFR has varied widely in documented outbreaks but the overall CFR tends to be less than 1%.
Kenya?s prior experience with responding to Rift Valley fever outbreaks combined with the preparedness activities undertaken over the preceding months is of benefit. However, the high number of reported deaths and abortions in livestock is concerning, especially because the event affects nomadic communities for which diet is predominantly based on animal products. The high volume of movement of cattle and people in this area increases the risk of further spread of the outbreak both within Kenya, and to neighbouring countries. WHO advice
Rift Valley fever is a mosquito-borne viral zoonosis that primarily affects animals but also has the capacity to infect humans. The majority of human infections result from direct or indirect contact with the blood or organs of infected animals. Herders, farmers, slaughterhouse workers and veterinarians have an increased risk of infection. Awareness of the risk factors of Rift Valley fever infection and measures to prevent mosquito bites is the only way to reduce human infection and deaths. Public health messages for risk reduction should focus on:
Reducing the risk of animal-to-human transmission resulting from unsafe animal husbandry and slaughtering practices. Practicing hand hygiene and wearing gloves and other personal protective equipment when handling sick animals or their tissues or when slaughtering animals is recommended.
Reducing the risk of animal-to-human transmission arising from the unsafe consumption of raw or unpasteurized milk or animal tissue. In endemic regions, all animal products should be thoroughly cooked before eating.
Reducing the risk of mosquito bites through the implementation of vector control activities (e.g. insecticide spraying and using larvicide to reduce mosquito breeding sites), use of insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets and repellents, and wearing light coloured clothing (long-sleeved shirts and trousers).
Restricting or banning the movement of livestock to reduce spread of the virus from infected to uninfected areas.
Routine animal vaccination is recommended to prevent Rift Valley fever outbreaks. Vaccination campaigns are not recommended during an outbreak as they may intensify transmission among the herd through needle propagation of the virus. Outbreaks of Rift Valley fever in animals precede human cases, thus the establishment of an active animal health surveillance system is essential to providing early warning for veterinary and public health authorities.
WHO advises against the application of any travel or trade restrictions to the Kenya based on the current information available on this event.
For more information on Rift Valley fever, please see the link below:
Ministry races to curb Rift Valley fever as death toll hits 26
SUNDAY JUNE 24 2018
By ANGELA OKETCH
More by this Author
Seven more people have died of Rift Valley fever, bringing the toll to 26 in the past one month, a report from the Ministry of Health?s Disease Surveillance and Response Unit says.
Six people died in Wajir while one person succumbed in Marsabit. Some 24 cases were reported in Wajir and two in Marsabit.
Siaya County on Friday issued an alert after one person died from the mosquito-born disease, which was confirmed by tests at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri).
...
Information received on 16/07/2018 from Dr Obadiah Nyaga Njagi, Director of Veterinary Services, Directorate of Veterinary Services, State Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, NAIROBI, Kenya
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." -Nelson Mandela
Kilifi slaughterhouses closed, red meat banned over Rift Valley Fever
Aug. 09, 2018, 9:00 am
By ALPHONCE GARI @alphonce2011
...
Kilifi county has ordered the closure of slaughterhouses and banned supply of red meat following an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever.
Authorities said they made the resolutions after positive tests of the disease, spread by mosquitoes, in Malindi and Magarini.
RVF was first reported in Tana River, the source of most meat consumed in Kilifi.
Health executive Anisa Omar on Thursday asked security chiefs in the county to enforce the directive with immediate effect.
...
Kilifi county has ordered the closure of slaughterhouses and banned supply of red meat following an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever. Authorities said they made the resolutions after positive tests of the disease, spread by mosquitoes, in Malindi and Magarini. RVF was first reported in Tana River, the source of most meat consumed in Kilifi.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ban on meat sale to hit hoteliers hard
THURSDAY AUGUST 9 2018
...
By CHARLES LWANGA
Hoteliers in Kilifi County are considering offering customers sea food or meat from Nairobi following the ban on sale of livestock due to an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever.
On August 2, the director Veterinary Services called for the closure of slaughter houses in Malindi and Magarini sub-counties to curb the spread of the disease.
Dr Cornel Malenga said blood samples of livestock in the two constituencies tested positive of the disease.
The animals were from Kanagoni, Kagombani, Mjanaheri and Sabaki.
...
Naomi Kimani said her business will be affected because few customers will trust her meat.
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." -Nelson Mandela
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