Creeping death

 
Published: Sunday 15 February 1998

according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the " Rift Valley fever" that broke out a month back in northeast Kenya is out of control. The fever along with the recent floods have claimed over 5,000 lives in the area. Researchers have recently diagnosed the disease and found that it spreads through mosquitoes, sandflies and the slaughter of infected animals.

People who are affected by the disease experience high fever, acute head-ache and vision problems. It can even cause fatal haemorrhaging in the nose and other orifices.

A statement of the Red Cross said that the fever is spreading steadily. Worse still, the region now faces the threat of cholera as well. Residents in the region have been urged to burn remains of all animals.

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