It is on the WHO list of potential pandemics. Little known in Poland. How is Rift Valley fever manifested? [NEW PANDEMIC?]

Rift Valley Fever is one of the few mosquito-borne haemorrhagic fever. Mainly found in Africa, it attacks farm animals (ruminants), humans can become infected through contact with infected blood and tissues. So far, no outbreaks of the disease have been identified in Europe, but – as health organizations in the Old Continent emphasize – vigilance should be exercised. The virus is on the WHO list for a potential next pandemic.

1. Initially, the Rift Valley fever was considered an animal disease
2. The first cases of human disease appeared in 1950-51, and the first deaths – a quarter of a century later
3. The mortality rate from Rift Valley Fever is 1%.
4. Rift Valley Fever is on the World Health Organization (WHO) list of the ten diseases with the highest epidemic potential
5. Respond before it’s too late. Get to know your Health Index!
6. More information can be found on the Onet homepage

Rift Valley Fever. What kind of illness is that?

Rift Valley Fever is an acute viral disease that affects domestic animals – cows, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and camels. The disease is caused by the RVF virus of the Bunyaviridae family, of the genus Phlebovirus. The RVF virus was first identified in 1931 on a farm in the Rift Valley, Kenya. Mainly found in eastern and southern Africa, most of sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. It also appeared in the French overseas territories.

Rift Valley Fever causes high mortality in newborn ruminants, especially sheep and goats, and loss of pregnancy in pregnant animals.

Humans can become infected through direct or indirect contact with the blood or tissue of infected animals. Therefore, it most often concerns cattle breeders, veterinarians and people working in slaughterhouses and butcheries. Mosquitoes also transmit the virus.

Most cases of Rift Valley fever in humans are mild and have flu-like symptoms. In a small percentage of patients, the disease becomes severe, with hepatitis and hemorrhagic symptoms. Possible complications include retinitis and encephalitis.

Rift Valley Fever: Epidemics So Far

Until 1975, RVF was considered an animal disease. Until then, human cases were rare and not fatal.

The first major epidemic occurred in South Africa in 1950–1951. About 100 people died then. heads of sheep and cattle, and there was also 20 thousand. diseases in humans. Severe disease and deaths were first identified in 1975 in South Africa. Two years later, fatalities were recorded in Egypt, and in 1987 in Mauritania.

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Another major epidemic took place in East Africa, mainly in Kenya and Somalia, in December 1997. In September 2000, RVF was detected for the first time outside the African continent – in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. There have been deaths among humans and numerous losses among livestock. Further epidemics were recorded in 2006–2007 in Kenya, Tanzania and Somalia, and in 2007-08 in South Africa and Madagascar.

So far, no outbreaks have been reported in Europe.

Rift Valley Fever: Symptoms

The incubation period of Rift Valley fever lasts – according to various sources – from two to seven days.

1. Gentle course

The onset of the disease is a 3-5 day flu-like fever (pain in the muscles and joints, headache, weakness). This can progress to a more severe disease, with photophobia and anorexia.

There may also be a petechial rash, nausea, vomiting and nosebleeds. The disease then lasts from four to seven days, and full recovery occurs within two weeks.

1. Severe course of the disease

The severe form of the disease has a two-phase course and is similar to that of dengue. It manifests itself with hemorrhagic diathesis and hepatitis, high fever lasting 2–4 days, jaundice, bleeding in mucous membranes and subcutaneous tissues. Bloody vomiting, diarrhea and tarry stools may also occur. The most severe cases can be fatal within the next few days. Patients after recovery require long rehabilitation.

The mortality rate from Rift Valley Fever is approximately 1%.

1. Complications

The most common complication of Rift Valley fever is bilateral retinitis 1-3 weeks after the primary illness. In half of the cases, there is a permanent loss of central vision, and permanent unilateral or bilateral blindness may also occur.

During the second phase of the disease, encephalitis and meningitis may develop. There are a number of neurological complications: confusion, hallucinations, dizziness and chorea. In extreme cases, they can lead to coma.

Rift Valley Fever: Routes of Infection

Domestic animals (ruminants) are the main reservoir of the RVF virus. Rodents, bats and wild ruminants can also be hosts. However, it is carried by mosquitoes (several species of the genus Aedes and Culex).

Infection also occurs through direct contact with animal blood, fetal tissue and farm waste. Infection by droplets (laboratory infections) is also possible.

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Meat can also be a source of infection, but the virus will not survive the maturation process when the acidity of the meat decreases. Milk is not a source of infection, and it has not been found to be products derived from bone meal.

Rift Valley Fever: Recognition

The early phase of the disease (4-5 days after infection) can be diagnosed by RT-PCR tests detecting specific IgM antibodies.

The diagnosis of Rift Valley fever in animals is based on a histopathological examination of a specimen taken from the liver.

Rift Valley Fever: Treatment

There is no specific therapy directed against this disease. Treatment of mild Rift Valley fever is symptomatic.

Rift Valley Fever: Prevention

The prevention of Rift Valley fever is to limit contact with infected animals and their excrements, therefore it is necessary to follow a sanitary regime when coming into contact with cattle, both on farms and in slaughterhouses.

To protect yourself from mosquito bites in vulnerable regions, wear appropriate insect protection clothing and use repellants.

A vaccine against Rift Valley Fever has not yet been developed.

Also read:

1. In 1967, the Marburg virus appeared in Germany. The sick looked like ghosts
2. Ranking of the most dangerous zoonotic viruses. Can they trigger another pandemic?
3. Coronavirus is not the first. The biggest epidemics in recent years