Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

General
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Affected Animals:

  • Domesticated animals like cattle, sheep, goats, and camels are most frequently affected.

  • Although disease primarily affects animals, RVF can potentially infect people.

Transmission to Humans:

  • Most infections occur via contact with the blood or organs of sick animals.

  • Some human diseases have been brought on by mosquito bites.

  • Consuming unpasteurized or raw milk of diseased animals can also cause infection.

  • No evidence of RVF transmission from person to person.

  • Higher risk in farmers, herders, slaughterhouse employees, and veterinarians.

Symptoms in Humans:

  • Most individuals have no symptoms or only moderate disease (fever, weakness, back pain, dizziness).

  • A tiny proportion (8–10%) experience serious symptoms like encephalitis, bleeding, and eye damage.

  • Illness can range from mild flu-like disease to severe hemorrhagic fever that can be fatal.

Overview of Situation (Mauritania, 2022):

  • 47 confirmed cases reported in 9 of 15 wilayas.

  • 23 deaths between 30 August and 17 October 2022.

  • First confirmed case: 25-year-old male breeder from Hodh El Gharbi.

  • Symptoms: hemorrhagic syndrome and thrombocytopenia.

  • Died on 29 August 2022.

Precautionary Measures:

  • Employ safer methods of animal husbandry and slaughter.

  • Maintain hand hygiene, use gloves and PPE while handling sick animals/tissues.

  • Avoid raw milk, fresh blood, or animal tissues.

  • Thoroughly cook all animal products (blood, meat, milk) before ingestion.

  • Use bed nets, insect repellents, and vector control measures.

  • Wear light-colored long-sleeve clothing, avoid peak mosquito biting hours.

  • Restrict or prohibit movement of livestock to reduce virus spread.

MBH/AB

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This is a very informative post about a disease that many people may not be aware of. The article does a great job of explaining the risks of RVF, how it’s transmitted, and the crucial steps people can take to prevent it. It’s an excellent example of a public health awareness post.

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I am not aware of this. Thanks for sharing such an insightful post!

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Very informative ..

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Thank you for sharing. i was not aware of this disease. New to me.

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Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne viral disease that mainly affects livestock but can also infect humans, leading to outbreaks with significant public health and economic impact. Preventive measures, including vector control and animal vaccination, are crucial to limit its spread.

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Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a viral illness that primarily affects animals, like cattle, sheep, and goats, but can also be passed on to humans.Imagine an outbreak of this disease in livestock. It’s often spread by mosquitoes, especially after heavy rains that cause a surge in mosquito populations. The biggest risk to people, though, isn’t usually from mosquito bites. It’s from direct contact with infected animals. People who work with animals—like farmers, veterinarians, or slaughterhouse workers—are at a higher risk, especially if they handle the blood, tissues, or organs of an infected animal.For most people who get it, the illness is a lot like a bad flu: a sudden fever, headache, muscle and joint pain. Most of the time, they recover completely. However, in a small number of cases, it can become much more severe, leading to eye problems or even a more serious form of the disease that can be very dangerous.

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Thanks for sharing this detailed overview. Rift Valley Fever is definitely a serious public health concern, especially for people working closely with livestock. The fact that most cases are mild but a small percentage can be severe shows why awareness, protective measures, and proper food handling are so important. Preventing mosquito bites and using PPE can truly save lives.

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