List of Rift Valley fever outbreaks

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a viral zoonosis that primarily affects animals but also has the capacity to infect humans. The disease is caused by the Rift Valley fever virus, a member of the Phlebovirus genus, which is part of the Bunyaviridae family. Infection can lead to severe disease in both animals and humans, including death in the most severe cases. The virus was first identified in 1931 during an investigation into an epidemic among sheep on a farm in the Rift Valley of Kenya. Since then, outbreaks have been reported in sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. The disease is of significant concern due to its potential to cause large outbreaks among animals and humans, its impact on livestock production, and its potential for spread to new areas.

List of Rift Valley Fever Outbreaks

This list includes notable outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) that have occurred globally. The list is not exhaustive and serves to highlight significant instances where the disease has impacted human and animal health.

1930s

• 1931 - The first recorded outbreak in the Rift Valley of Kenya, primarily affecting sheep.

1950s

• 1950-1951 - A significant outbreak in South Africa affecting both animals and humans.

1970s

• 1977-1978 - An outbreak in Egypt, marking the first significant appearance of RVF outside of sub-Saharan Africa, resulted in thousands of human cases and deaths, along with massive livestock losses.

1990s

• 1997-1998 - An outbreak in Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania, with significant human and animal health impacts.

2000s

• 2000 - An outbreak in Saudi Arabia and Yemen, marking the first occurrence of the disease outside the African continent.
• 2006-2007 - A widespread outbreak in Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania, with numerous human cases and substantial livestock impact.

2010s

• 2010 - An outbreak in South Africa, primarily affecting livestock.
• 2016-2017 - An outbreak in Niger, with several human cases reported.

Transmission

RVF virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, notably those of the Aedes and Culex genera. The virus can also be transmitted through contact with the blood, body fluids, or tissues of infected animals. This is of particular concern in agricultural settings where individuals may be exposed to infected animals or animal products.

Symptoms

In humans, RVF can cause a range of symptoms, from mild flu-like symptoms to severe conditions such as hemorrhagic fever, encephalitis, or ocular disease. In livestock, the disease is characterized by abortion storms in pregnant females and high mortality rates in young animals.

Prevention and Control

Prevention and control measures for RVF include vaccination of animals, vector control activities, and public health measures to reduce human exposure to the virus. Early detection and reporting of outbreaks are critical for containing the spread of the disease. This list is incomplete; you can help WikiMD by expanding it.

See Also

• Epidemiology of Rift Valley Fever
• Viral hemorrhagic fevers
• Zoonosis
• Vector-borne disease

Further Reading

• Articles related to the Epidemiology of Rift Valley Fever
• Studies on Vector-borne disease control strategies

This list is incomplete; you can help WikiMD by expanding it.