Rift Valley Fever

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an acute, fever-causing viral disease that affects domestic animals (such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels) and humans. RVF is most commonly associated with mosquito-borne epidemics during years of heavy rainfall

Rift Valley fever is an acute, fever-causing viral disease that affects humans.

The RVF virus, a member of the genus Phlebovirus in the family Bunyaviridae, causes the disease. RVF is generally found in regions of eastern and southern Africa where sheep and cattle are raised. However, RVF virus also exists in most countries of sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Map click here

Manifestations: People with RVF typically have either no symptoms or a mild illness associated with:

fever and liver abnormalities

However, in some patients the illness can progress to

Hemorrhagic fever (which can lead to shock or haemorrhage)
Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain, which can lead to headaches, coma, or seizures)
Ocular disease (diseases affecting the eye)
Typically, patients recover within two days to one week after onset of illness
Approximately 1% of humans that become infected with RVF die of the disease

Diagnose and treatment: Treatment and is not available.

Prevent Rift Valley Fever by:

Avoid bites of mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects
Use of mosquito repellents
Bednets
Avoiding exposure to blood or tissues of animals that may potentially be infected.

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