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 also humans. RVF is most commonly associated with mosquito-borne epidemics during years of heavy rainfall.
The RVF virus, a member of the genus Phlebovirus and in the family of 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.
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 hemorrhages)
- 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
Diagnosis 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
- Bed nets
- Avoiding exposure to blood or tissues of animals that may potentially be infected.
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