Kenya Declares Yellow Fever Outbreak

By Owino Nyakiti

Kenya's Ministry of Health has declared an outbreak of yellow fever in the country after 15 patients were reported in Isiolo County resulting into three deaths so far.

In a statement issued by the Director General of Health Dr Patrick Amoth on March 3, the authorities say the first case was detected on January 12.

“To date 15 patients presenting with fever, jaundice, muscle pain and joint pain have been line-listed, the youngest being 11 whereas the oldest is 65. While the majority are young adults, males are most affected,” reads the circular.

It adds: This is therefore to raise the alert in all the 47 counties in Kenya, more so with the high risk counties being Wajir, Garissa, Marsabit, Meru, Samburu, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot and Turkana.

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As a result the country’s health ministry is planning to conduct a vaccination in all the high risk counties.

Although there is no known specific anti-viral for yellow fever, the disease is preventable through effective vaccine which is safe and affordable.