Death toll from Kenya virus rises to 30

GARISSA, Kenya, Dec 28 (Reuters) An outbreak of viral fever in remote northeastern Kenya has killed 30 people and infected at least 70 others, health officials said today.

Rift Valley fever, which can make victims bleed to death, is passed to humans from livestock via mosquito bites or contaminated animal fluids.

''The total number of people who have succumbed ... in the two districts of Ijara and Garissa now stands at 30,'' said Ahmed Omar, the provincial medical officer.

Most of the dead were nomadic herdsmen who crisscross the arid region with their animals in search of water and pasture.

Kenya's government has banned the transport and slaughter of local livestock until all animals have been vaccinated.

REUTERS SP RK2345