Rift Valley Fever main cause of deaths in north Kenyan epidemic

The World Health Organisation says that Rift Valley Fever is the most probable cause of many of the three hundred deaths in a mysterious epidemic affecting north-eastern Kenya and parts of Somalia.

In Geneva, the WHO said more than one factor -- such as malaria and malnutrition -- could contribute to some of the cases, but the Rift Valley Fever virus is circulating, and there was no reason to believe it was not the major cause of death.

Rift Valley Fever, which is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa is spread largely by mosquitoes and in blood and body fluids of infected animals.

It produces symptoms similar to those of dengue fever, and isd not usually fatal.

The WHO said the outbreak was far from Kenya's main tourist centres and travel restrictions were not recommended; but there would be further studies to understand the scope and nature of the epidemic.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service