Rift Valley fever in North East Kenya

According to Kenyan media quoting local public health authorities at least 13 people have died in an outbreak of Rift Valley fever in Wajir and Marsabit Counties in the north east of Kenya. Those who died are believed to have eaten meat from infected animals.

Advice to Travellers

Rift Valley fever is very rare in travellers.

The risk is increased in those visiting an area experiencing a Rift Valley fever outbreak and having contact with infected animals/humans or their tissue, for example:

• Travellers visiting farms/game reserves.
• Veterinarians/veterinarian students.
• Volunteers/workers on farms.
• Laboratory staff/students.
• Health Care Workers.

Those at increased risk of RVFV infection should be advised to:

• Avoid direct contact with infected animals, animal tissues where possible, if this is unavoidable, personal protective equipment should be worn.
• Avoid drinking unpasteurised milk and consuming raw meat products.
• Practice good insect bite avoidance measures.

There is no licensed vaccine available for human use.

• Livestock vaccines have been developed and are in use in endemic regions.

For further information see Rift Valley Fever.