Rift Valley fever virus causes an important zoonotic disease of humans and small
ruminants in Eastern Africa and is spread primarily by a mosquito vector. In
this region, it occurs as epizootics that typically occur at 5-15-year
intervals associated with unusual rainfall events.the disease is a per-acute or acute, febrile viral disease caused by a
virus of the family Bunyaviridae,
genus Phlebovirus.It affects livestock (such as sheep,
cattle, buffalo, goats and camels) and people. The disease causes significant
economic losses due to deaths and abortions among infected livestock and trade restrictions. The disease also occurs in several wildlife species such as:Antelopes,
Wildebeests, African Buffalo and African Monkeys.
S Seasonality/climate:
episodic nature during heavy prolonged rains with flooding in areas with
Solanchak type of soil. Presence
of naïve livestock populations in an infected area.
The disease occurs in climatic conditions favoring
the breeding of mosquito vectors.
Human infections are mainly via direct or
indirect contact with the blood,
secretions,excretions or organs of infected animals.
IN LIVESTOCK:
Fever
41-420C, Bloody fetid
diarrhea and
Abortion
affecting approx.85% of the herd
MILD HUMAN CASES: an Influenza-like
syndrome characterized by: sudden onset of mild fever 37.8-400C, Headaches,
dizziness and weight loss Muscle pains and
weakness
SEVERE HUMAN CASES: A Hemorrhagic fever characterized by: vomiting
blood, blood in feces, menorrhagia and purpuric rash.
IN HUMANS: Ribavirin, Interferon, immune modulators, and
convalescent-phase plasma are showing promise.
IN livestock: prevention and control via Surveillance and Vaccination since there is no specific treatment.
Dr. Moses Bwana
Post-graduate Student
University of Nairobi
1
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