Rift Valley Fever Outbreak Confirmed in Marsabit County

Marsabit County – A Rift Valley Fever (RVF) outbreak has been confirmed in Marsabit County, prompting a government alert to residents. Marsabit County Deputy Governor, Solomon Gubo, announced that out of 43 samples analyzed at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), four cases have tested positive for the virus. Gubo revealed this information during the County Steering Group (CSG) meeting held at Jirme Hotel.

According to Kenya News Agency, the confirmed cases are all from the Shurr area, located in the Turbi-Bubisa Ward of North Horr Constituency. This area has also seen a notable number of animal abortions. Gubo expressed concerns over the county’s capacity to handle the virus and called for urgent support from the National Government and other partners. Measures are being implemented to educate residents on avoiding contact with potentially sick animals and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.

Additionally, Gubo disclosed that Saku and Moyale Sub-counties are experiencing a malaria outbreak, despite not being typical malaria zones. Efforts to control mosquitoes, including household spraying and the use of mosquito nets, are being intensified.

Grace Galmo, County Executive Member for Health, stated that all confirmed RVF cases are outpatient, with no hospital admissions or deaths reported. She attributed the outbreaks to recent El-Nino rains, which have increased mosquito populations, facilitating the transmission of RVF from livestock to humans. Galmo mentioned that additional samples are being sent to KEMRI, with results pending. She also noted the challenges faced due to resource limitations in procuring necessary health supplies like nets, vaccines, and drugs. Of the affected individuals, five are children under ten years of age, and disease surveillance is being increased across the county.

The news of the RVF outbreak in Marsabit comes alongside reports of two similar cases in neighboring Wajir County. In response, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura stated that the Ministry of Health has distributed over 1.2 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets nationwide.