Rift Valley Fever in Kenya

The World Health Organization (WHO) have reported an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever in Kenya.

Between 19th November 2020 and 04th February 2021, there have been 32 human cases and 11 deaths reported in Isiolo and Mandera counties.

Rift Valley Fever outbreaks in Kenya are recurrent; the last outbreak was in 2018. WHO is working closely with the Kenyan Ministry of Health in supporting the public health response to the current outbreak.

Advice to Travellers

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic viral infection that may rarely cause fatal haemorrhagic fever.

The risk to travellers is very rare. The risk is increased in those visiting an area experiencing a RVF 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 RVF 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.

See the TRAVAX Rift Valley Fever page for further information