Snowy Owl
Retired in 2010, In Memoriam
By Victor Obure
The death toll of the Rift Valley Fever outbreak in northern Kenya has reached 19 after eight more herdsmen succumbed to the disease.
The herdsmen died of the highly contagious disease during a grazing expedition. Medics are now warning of a possible spread of the disease in Garissa town after one case was confirmed in the municipality.
North Eastern provincial Medical officer of Health, Dr Omar Ahmed, said only two of the reported deaths occurred at the Garissa Provincial General Hospital, while the rest succumbed to the disease in the villages.
He said two herdsmen died in Dertu and Fafi locations in Garissa, while another one died in Bodhai location in Ijara district, where 31 more cases were reported during the Christmas festivities.
Dr Omar said five patients, including an expectant mother who had a stillbirth after showing symptoms of RVF, were under observation in at the Garissa hospital. More patients were expected at the hospital.
Protective gear
Meanwhile, World Health Organisation (WHO) officials have dispatched a consignment of drugs and protective gear for medical staff in the affected zones.
WHO Medical co-ordinator in charge of Emergency Humanitarian Action, Dr Dabar Maalim, said the protective equipment was to reduce risks of exposure while handling infected patients.
Dr Omar expressed fears that most cases went unreported since herdsmen buried their dead in the grazing fields in accordance with Muslim traditions. The disease is spread by mosquitoes from infected livestock to human.
Omar also said two cases had been reported in Bulla Iftin and Iskadek estates in Garissa town.
Public health warning
"We urge the residents to avoid contact with suspected cases and report them immediately because the disease spreads through bodily fluids including sexual intercourse with an infected person," he warned.
He also banned private slaughter of animals during the Idd Ul Haj and New Year celebrations and advised residents to stop eating un-inspected meat.
Religious leaders, he said, had already been sensitised to inform the faithful on the dangers of disregarding the public health warning.
The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in partnership with the Centres For Disease Control (CDC) have set up a laboratory at Garissa Hospital to ease screening.