Rift Valley Fever outbreak adds to pastoralists’ woes Wednesday March 10 2021 By KEVIN ROTICH Summary Outbreaks of the disease in Africa are associated with periods of above-average rainfall, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The projected heavy rains starting this month, present an additional danger amid fear that it could escalate outbreaks of the disease caused by a virus that infects both animals and humans and eventually results in death. The highly infectious disease is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes or close contact with contaminated animals’ blood or organs, according to the WHO. Even before the onset of this year’s long rains, the deadly Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is proving a menace in two pastoral counties of Isiolo and Marsabit where an outbreak has been reported.