MARSABIT – The Ministry of Health in Kenya has confirmed a case of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in Turbi, North Horr Sub-County, Marsabit County, marking the country’s first reported human case. Acting Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, announced the confirmation and stated that investigations are underway to identify additional cases and determine the outbreak’s scope.
According to Kenya News Agency, the outbreak is believed to be linked to recent El-Niño rains, which have led to an increase in mosquito populations and, consequently, the transmission of vector-borne diseases. The communication, dated January 24, 2024, emphasized the need for heightened vigilance across the nation due to the potential for the spread of RVF amid the rise in mosquito numbers and livestock movement.
Dr. Amoth urged county health departments to alert healthcare workers to the RVF threat, emphasizing the importance of familiarizing them with RVF case definitions to raise suspicion levels. He also stressed the necessity for enhanced disease surveillance and reporting, the establishment or improvement of sample referral capacities to the National Public Health Laboratories for confirmatory testing, and the activation of county-level multisectoral coordination mechanisms following the One Health approach.
In addition to these measures, the Acting Director General called for the development of RVF-specific preparedness and response plans, the implementation of integrated vector control programs, and the initiation of public awareness campaigns to educate about RVF prevention. Preventative measures highlighted include the use of personal protective equipment when handling animals, the proper disposal of animal waste and carcasses, the avoidance of consuming uninspected meat, and the use of insecticide-treated bed nets.
Dr. Amoth also advised individuals experiencing fever to seek medical assessment promptly. He concluded by stating that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Directorate of Veterinary Services, is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates to the public as necessary.