Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - In the past month 75 people have died in north eastern Kenya in a serious outbreak of Rift Valley fever.
Rift Valley fever is a rare viral disease about which not much is known. It is transmitted to humans by contact with infected animal blood or other body fluids, and spread among cattle by the aedes mosquito. The consumption of raw milk, an important element in the diet of nomad herdsmen in the region, is also considered a factor in the diffusion of the disease.
To face the emergency Doctors Without Frontiers teams are working in Garissa, Ijara, Wajir and along the River Tana, identifying infected persons, treating patients and supplying information.
The epidemic broke after widespread floods in the region. Eggs of infected mosquitoes are often deposited along river banks and can remain latent for years until they are submerged. Once covered by water the eggs turn into infected mosquitoes which spread the virus.
The last outbreak in this region was in 1997, also then following heavy rains. That year 27,500 people were infected and 170 died. Only 1% circa of those infected with Rift Valley fever develop the acute form of the disease. But of these almost half die. Unfortunately there is no remedy. The fever brings only headache and other typical flu symptoms. However the acute form can attack the liver and patients may bleed.
Seeing the high mortality rate among those with the acute form of the fever, many people feel it is not worth undertaking the long journey to the nearest medical centre. This is why Doctors without Frontiers strive to increase awareness and information about Rift Valley fever and how it can be prevented. (AP) (12/1/2007 Agenzia Fides; Righe:30; Parole:333)
