The national government has issued an alert for a possible outbreak of the deadly Rift Valley Fever in Nairobi, Baringo and Mombasa Counties.
In a statement issued on Monday, the prolonged rainfall could see 17 flood-prone counties affected by the deadly disease.
“The last major outbreak was in 2006/2007, after the end of the El Nino rains and resultedin approximately 160 human deaths and up to Sh4 billion losses in the livestock sector,” Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Obadiah Njagi and his medical services counterpart Dr Kioko Jackson stated.
Additionally, herders, slaughterhouse workers, farmers and veterinarians have also been placed on high alert as the as livestock infection could affect human beings if they get into contact with blood or tissues from infected animals.
“Slaughter, butchering and consumption of sick animals or dead livestockshould be avoided," said Dr. Kioko.
“Those who sleep during the daytime, particularly children, or sick or olderpeople, insecticide-treated mosquito nets afford good protection. Mosquito coils or otherinsecticide vaporisers may also reduce indoor biting.”