Warden Messages

Rift Valley Fever Outbreak in Kenya

December 28, 2006

The United States Embassy in Nairobi advises all American citizens in Kenya that the Kenyan Government has confirmed an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) affecting people and animals, particularly in the Garissa district.

From 4th December 2006 to date, there have been greater than 30 probable human cases of RVF in Kenya resulting in greater than 20 deaths. RVF has been confirmed in several patients with laboratory tests at CDC-KEMRI laboratories in Nairobi.

A person's chances of becoming infected can be reduced by taking measures to decrease contact with mosquitoes through the use of mosquito repellents and bed nets. Avoiding exposure to blood or tissues of animals that may potentially be infected is an important protective measure for persons working with animals in RVF-endemic areas. Persons eating well-cooked meat and pasteurized milk from affected areas do not appear to be at risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an acute, fever-causing viral disease that affects domestic animals (such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels) and humans. Deaths and abortions are common among infected livestock.

For more information about RVF, visit the CDC web site at
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/rvf.htm.

American Citizen Services Unit
Consular Section
U.S. Embassy Nairobi
Tel: ( 254) 20 375 3704
Fax:( 254) 20 363 6410
Email: kenya_acs@state.gov
Emergency Telephone Number (254) 20 363 6170

Note: Online registration is available at https://travelregistration.state.gov./ Please update your registration with the Embassy once a year.