8 November 2007

Rift Valley fever in Sudan

On 18 October 2007 an outbreak of suspected haemorrhagic fever in White Nile and Sinnar states in Sudan was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) [1]. As of 7 November 2007, 228 cases were reported from White Nile, Sinnar and Gezeira, 84 of which were fatal [2]. More than 25 samples from human cases were positive for Rift Valley fever by PCR or ELISA. Animal samples have also been sent for laboratory analysis.

WHO is working with the Federal Ministry of Health in Sudan to prepare an outbreak response action plan. Efforts are underway to intensify surveillance, case management, health education and vector control in the affected areas.

Rift Valley Fever

RVF is caused by a virus of the family Bunyaviridae. It is primarily a zoonosis affecting domestic animals including cattle, goats, and sheep, and may cause substantial morbidity and mortality in the animals. The virus can be transmitted to humans following a bite from an infected mosquito (most commonly Aedes spp and Culex spp mosquitoes), or contact with body fluids or organs from an infected animal.  

The majority of cases of RVF are brief influenza-like illnesses; about 1% of patients will, however, develop more severe manifestations of meningoencephalitis or haemorrhagic fever.

Advice for travellers

The risk to most travellers is low. Insect bite avoidance measures should be taken to avoid exposure to the mosquito vector. Those who may have contact with infected animals should ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent exposure to their blood and body fluids. Milk or meat from infected animals should be boiled or cooked. There is no commercially available vaccine for humans.

References

1. World Health Organization. Rift Valley fever in Sudan, 5 November 2007. [Accessed 6 November 2007].  Available at: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2007_11_05/en/index.html

2. World Health Organization. Rift Valley fever in Sudan - Update, 7 November 2007. [Accessed 6 November 2007].  Available at: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2007_11_07/en/index.html

Links

NaTHNaC. Rift Valley fever in Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania, 16 May 2007. [Accessed 6 November 2007].  Available at: http://www.nathnac.org/travel/news/rvf_160507.h

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