Health Professionals

Clinical Updates

12 May 2010

Rift Valley fever - human cases in South Africa – update 2

Further analysis of samples from a suspected case of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in a German tourist who had returned from South Africa, has determined that RVF was not the cause of illness [1]. A rickettsial infection has been confirmed. This case was reported in the NaTHNaC Clinical Update of 7 May 2010 [2].

Advice for travellers

As the outbreak of RVF in South Africa is continuing, all travellers to South Africa should be aware of the low risk of acquiring infection [2]. Rickettsial infection, particularly African tick-bite fever caused by Rickettsia africae, is a more common risk for travellers who walk in bush or savannah regions of South Africa [3].

Travellers are advised to take insect bite avoidance measures such as using insect repellents. This is particularly important for travellers visiting rural areas and game reserves. In addition, to avoid RVF, travellers should not consume milk or meat from potentially infected animals. Those who may have contact with infected animals should ensure that appropriate personal protection measures are taken to prevent exposure to their blood and body fluids. There is no commercially available vaccine against RVF for humans.

Information on specific health risks for travellers to South African can be found on the NaTHNaC Country Information Pages

References

1. ProMED-mail. Rift Valley fever – South Africa (17): tourist, not. ProMED-mail 2010; 11 May: 20100511.1537. [Accessed 12 May 2010]. Available at: http://www.promedmail.org/pls/apex/f?p=2400:1001:5593813

482681550::NO::F2400_P1001_BACK_PAGE,F2400_P1001_

PUB_MAIL_ID:1000,82665

2. NaTHNaC Clinical Update. Rift Valley fever – human cases in South Africa – update. 7 May 2010. [Accessed 12 May 2010]. Available at: http://www.nathnac.org/pro/clinical_updates/rvf_rsa_070510

.htm

3. Jensenius M, Fournier PE, Raoult D. Rickettsioses and the international traveler. Clin Infect Dis 39:1493-9, 2004.

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