Dhobley,22nd Jan.2007
By Banadir.com

At least 14 people were killed and a dozen more of livestock have died in Lower Jubba province, southern Somalia, after Rift Valley Fever broke out in the province. The disease is believed to enter Somalia from Northeastern provinces of Kenya.

Doctors in the province confirmed the victims died from Rift Valley disease. They described the symptoms as bleeding in the mouth and nose. The victims died in Afmdow, Diif and Dhobley, settlements in southern Somalia.

Haye Baghadle, a doctor in Dhobley, has told Shabelle by phone that butchering livestock for meat was halted after nearly 150 animals were seen bleeding in the mouth and nose. "We have told people who trade in meat not to slaughter a sick animal and stop slaughtering animals at all", he said.

Residents appealed for an immediate medical assistance to the international relief agencies.