Kenya Disease Outbreak
Oxfam is there
An outbreak of Rift Valley Fever has affected over 20 districts in Kenya. Rift Valley Fever is a sudden onset animal viral disease caused by a virus that also affects humans. Arid and semi arid districts are the most affected, among them Kajiado district, south of Nairobi. Over 130 people have lost their lives from the disease countrywide, including in Kajiado. The people who have died are those who have been in close contact with infected animals or who have consumed infected milk or meat.
The disease has also led to the death of a large number of animals. The disease is a direct threat to the livelihoods of pastoralists who depend solely on their livestock, and especially to the most vulnerable members of the pastoral society.
Just like the case with the frequent drought cycles, pastoralists in Kenya lack coping mechanisms and strategies to challenge a disaster of such magnitude as Rift Valley Fever. The threat is real and such that total herds can get infected within a short time with a possibility of 100% mortality rate, especially after substantial rains which encourage reproduction of the vector, a mosquito species which transmits the virus.
The threat on humans is equally grave especially if it is not referred for treatment at the health centres on time. The situation is made worse by the fact that health centres in the pastoral areas are few, far apart or lacking all together. It then follows that the chances of an infected person getting medical attention is very small and indeed many of them succumb to death within a very short time after getting infected.
This is the case with the Maasai people in Kajiado District, with whom we work through our partner organisation, MPIDO. Oxfam is there. Oxfam Ireland, through MPIDO, is currently (February 2007) undertaking a major vaccination campaign in the areas where MPIDO works at a cost of €15,000/£10,000. This programme is already setting up and working with Community Animal Health committees in the area, in close liaison with the District Veterinary department.
Another major outbreak has occurred in Northern Kenya in Turkana. The disease here is PPR (Peste des petits ruminants), a highly contagious viral animal disease. A quarantine was extended to Turkana on Friday 26th January and the movement of livestock has been halted. Oxfam is currently assessing the situation to decide on the best course of action.
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