Rift-Tal-Fieber - Rift-Valley-Fever (RVF)
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Rift-Tal-Fieber - Rift-Valley-Fever (RVF)
Tödliche Fälle von Rift-Valley-Fieber im Sudan
02.11.2007
Genf (AP) Ein Ausbruch des Rift-Valley-Fiebers im Sudan hat nach Angaben der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) 60 Menschen das Leben gekostet. Mindestens weitere 65 haben sich mit der Tropenkrankheit infiziert, wie die WHO in Genf am Freitag weiter erklärte. Die sudanesischen Behörden hätten die internationale Gemeinschaft umgehend über die Krankheitsfälle informiert, erklärte ein Sprecher der WHO. Dies sei wichtig, um den Ausbruch eindämmen zu können ... mehr
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Birgitt
02.11.2007
Genf (AP) Ein Ausbruch des Rift-Valley-Fiebers im Sudan hat nach Angaben der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) 60 Menschen das Leben gekostet. Mindestens weitere 65 haben sich mit der Tropenkrankheit infiziert, wie die WHO in Genf am Freitag weiter erklärte. Die sudanesischen Behörden hätten die internationale Gemeinschaft umgehend über die Krankheitsfälle informiert, erklärte ein Sprecher der WHO. Dies sei wichtig, um den Ausbruch eindämmen zu können ... mehr
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Re: Rift-Tal-Fieber - Rift-Valley-Fever (RVF)
Rift Valley Fever deaths in Sudan
15.11.2007
Rift Valley Fever has killed nearly 100 people in Sudan since reports of an outbreak surfaced a week ago, the UN World Health Organisation (WHO) says. Gazeera State has seen the most rapid increase in human cases, the WHO says. In its most serious haemorrhagic form, Rift Valley Fever can kill as many as half of those who contract it ... mehr
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Birgitt
15.11.2007
Rift Valley Fever has killed nearly 100 people in Sudan since reports of an outbreak surfaced a week ago, the UN World Health Organisation (WHO) says. Gazeera State has seen the most rapid increase in human cases, the WHO says. In its most serious haemorrhagic form, Rift Valley Fever can kill as many as half of those who contract it ... mehr
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Re: Rift-Tal-Fieber - Rift-Valley-Fever (RVF)
RIFT VALLEY FEVER - SUDAN (07)
******************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>
Date: Sun 18 Nov 2007
Source: Reuters alertnet [edited]
<http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/HEA830167.htm>
Clerics have given Sudanese Muslims the all-clear to sacrifice
animals infected by a Rift Valley fever [RVF] outbreak in coming
festivities, local media reported on Sunday [18 Nov 2007].
The deadly disease has so far killed 96 people in Sudan and threatens
to devastate the country's huge livestock industry.
Religious scholars have now ruled that animals suspected of having
the disease will still be acceptable sacrifices for the major Muslim
festival of Eid ul-Adha, daily newspaper Akhir Lahzah reported.
The Board of Sudanese Religious Scholars ruled that Muslims were only
banned from sacrificing animals with a disease mentioned in the
Hadith, a collection of the sayings of the Prophet, the paper said.
Sudan's Ministry of Animal Resources has claimed there is no sign of
Rift Valley fever [RVF] among livestock, despite the confirmed human
cases. But the World Health Organisation last week said Sudan had
reported cases of the disease in animals in the country's White Nile
state.
RVF can kill as many as half the people who contract it, and has no
effective human vaccine. It spreads to humans from infected livestock
via contaminated blood or mosquitoes.
Eid ul-Adha, which celebrates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his
son, falls this year on 20 Dec 2007.
[Byline: Andrew Heavens]
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail <promed@promedmail.org>
[The above is rather difficult to comprehend; if accurate, Sudan's
public health and animal health authorities should find the way to
convince the clerics to warn their followers, in a timely manner,
about the grave consequences of exposure to infected animals,
particularly during slaughter. Public education should be encouraged.
Human exposure to slaughtered animals was regarded as a main factor
contributing to the significant mortality (officially 598 humans,
unofficially mounting to 4 or even 5-digit figures) which was
observed in Egypt during the 1977-78 RVF major epizootic.
For Sudan's official notification on RVF in livestock, please refer
to posting 20071114.3694. - Mod.AS]
******************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>
Date: Sun 18 Nov 2007
Source: Reuters alertnet [edited]
<http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/HEA830167.htm>
Clerics have given Sudanese Muslims the all-clear to sacrifice
animals infected by a Rift Valley fever [RVF] outbreak in coming
festivities, local media reported on Sunday [18 Nov 2007].
The deadly disease has so far killed 96 people in Sudan and threatens
to devastate the country's huge livestock industry.
Religious scholars have now ruled that animals suspected of having
the disease will still be acceptable sacrifices for the major Muslim
festival of Eid ul-Adha, daily newspaper Akhir Lahzah reported.
The Board of Sudanese Religious Scholars ruled that Muslims were only
banned from sacrificing animals with a disease mentioned in the
Hadith, a collection of the sayings of the Prophet, the paper said.
Sudan's Ministry of Animal Resources has claimed there is no sign of
Rift Valley fever [RVF] among livestock, despite the confirmed human
cases. But the World Health Organisation last week said Sudan had
reported cases of the disease in animals in the country's White Nile
state.
RVF can kill as many as half the people who contract it, and has no
effective human vaccine. It spreads to humans from infected livestock
via contaminated blood or mosquitoes.
Eid ul-Adha, which celebrates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his
son, falls this year on 20 Dec 2007.
[Byline: Andrew Heavens]
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail <promed@promedmail.org>
[The above is rather difficult to comprehend; if accurate, Sudan's
public health and animal health authorities should find the way to
convince the clerics to warn their followers, in a timely manner,
about the grave consequences of exposure to infected animals,
particularly during slaughter. Public education should be encouraged.
Human exposure to slaughtered animals was regarded as a main factor
contributing to the significant mortality (officially 598 humans,
unofficially mounting to 4 or even 5-digit figures) which was
observed in Egypt during the 1977-78 RVF major epizootic.
For Sudan's official notification on RVF in livestock, please refer
to posting 20071114.3694. - Mod.AS]
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Birgitt
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Re: Rift-Tal-Fieber - Rift-Valley-Fever (RVF)
Rift Valley Fever in Sudan - update 5
WHO - 22.01.2008
Human cases of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in Sudan have decreased continuously in recent weeks. As of 15 January 2008, a cumulative total of 698 cases, including 222 deaths, has been reported from six states (Gazeera, Kassala, Khartoum, River Nile, Sinnar and White Nile), yielding an overall CFR of 32.4%.
While active surveillance continues in all affected states, no new cases have been reported since 5 January. Only Gazeera state has reported cases with date of onset in 2008, while several additional cases have been reported retrospectively with date of onset in November or December 2007. Several of the newly added cases evidence ocular presentation, which is typically a late-occurring feature of RVF infection.
Case management related interventions and health education and vector control efforts are continuing. WHO continues to support the Sudan Ministry of Health in preparedness for viral haemorrhagic fever and other seasonal outbreaks and in the procurement of essential supplies, enhancing surveillance and training activities.
WHO - 22.01.2008
Human cases of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in Sudan have decreased continuously in recent weeks. As of 15 January 2008, a cumulative total of 698 cases, including 222 deaths, has been reported from six states (Gazeera, Kassala, Khartoum, River Nile, Sinnar and White Nile), yielding an overall CFR of 32.4%.
While active surveillance continues in all affected states, no new cases have been reported since 5 January. Only Gazeera state has reported cases with date of onset in 2008, while several additional cases have been reported retrospectively with date of onset in November or December 2007. Several of the newly added cases evidence ocular presentation, which is typically a late-occurring feature of RVF infection.
Case management related interventions and health education and vector control efforts are continuing. WHO continues to support the Sudan Ministry of Health in preparedness for viral haemorrhagic fever and other seasonal outbreaks and in the procurement of essential supplies, enhancing surveillance and training activities.
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Re: Rift-Tal-Fieber - Rift-Valley-Fever (RVF)
Rift Valley fever in Madagascar
WHO - 18 April 2008
As of 17 April 2008, the Ministry of Health, Madagascar has reported a total of 418 suspected cases including 17 deaths (CFR 4%) of Rift Valley fever from Alaotra Mangoro, Analamanga, Itasy, Vakinakaratra and Anosy Regions. Infection with Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) has been laboratory confirmed in 59 human cases by the Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, a WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers and partner in the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network. The Ministry of Health, Madagascar has established an inter-ministerial committee to oversee the response to the outbreak. Control measures implemented have included case management, surveillance, social mobilization, provision of medicines, prevention and strengthening of hospital infection control. The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) has reported the RVF in animals to the OIE on 9 April 2008. The MoH and MoA have requested the support of a joint WHO, FAO, OIE mission to support outbreak response efforts.
WHO - 18 April 2008
As of 17 April 2008, the Ministry of Health, Madagascar has reported a total of 418 suspected cases including 17 deaths (CFR 4%) of Rift Valley fever from Alaotra Mangoro, Analamanga, Itasy, Vakinakaratra and Anosy Regions. Infection with Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) has been laboratory confirmed in 59 human cases by the Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, a WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers and partner in the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network. The Ministry of Health, Madagascar has established an inter-ministerial committee to oversee the response to the outbreak. Control measures implemented have included case management, surveillance, social mobilization, provision of medicines, prevention and strengthening of hospital infection control. The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) has reported the RVF in animals to the OIE on 9 April 2008. The MoH and MoA have requested the support of a joint WHO, FAO, OIE mission to support outbreak response efforts.
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Re: Rift-Tal-Fieber - Rift-Valley-Fever (RVF)
RIFT VALLEY FEVER - MADAGASCAR: FAO, PREPAREDNESS EASTERN AFRICA
****************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>
Date: Wed 7 May 2008
Source: Business Daily (Nairobi) via AllAfrica - East Africa [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200805061166.html>
Kenya Under Fresh Threat From Rift Valley Fever
-----------------------------------------------
When it struck barely a year ago, the dreaded Rift Valley fever [RVF]
left a 2 billion Shilling [3 224 8220 USD] void in the country's
livestock industry. And now experts are warning that the disease may
hit Kenya again and other neighbouring countries.
The new warning by the US National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) and World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
follows an acute outbreak of the viral disease on the Island of
Madagascar, off the coastline of East Africa.
The latest outbreak of RVF in Madagascar was 1st reported by
Agriculture Ministry on 9 Apr 2008, [following positive results of]
tests on 2 of 9 animals that were taken ill with symptoms associated
with the disease around Avaradrano, Antananarivo, 2 months earlier.
"The situation of RVF in Madagascar is very serious because the
2-month delay in disease reporting may have facilitated the spread of
the disease and the consequent confirmation of several human cases
and deaths. This could indicate that the infection is well
established in animals in this new epidemic," the experts warned in
the latest issue of the emergency prevention system (EMPRES) report
by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) [see further in the
commentary.- Mod.AS].
Analysts said the alarm by NASA and OIE would come handy for Kenya;
[from Dec 2006 to May 2007] the country [was] hit hard by an outbreak
of the disease that left more than 155 people killed and more than
700 infected. North Eastern province bore the brunt of the attack
with 333 cases of infections reported, closely followed by Rift
Valley province with 141 cases while Coast and Central provinces
recorded 14 and 13 incidents respectively.
Huge damage was also afflicted on the livestock industry where about
4000 animals were lost prompting the State to slap a ban on livestock
movements. Most consumers stopped eating livestock products, pushing
thousands of dealers and suppliers out of business.
According to EMPRES, the Health Ministry in Madagascar had already
reported 17 human deaths and 418 suspected infections as at mid April
[2008] in areas around Alaotra, Mangoro, Analamanga, Itasy,
Vakinakaratra and Anosy. The WHO has so far confirmed 59 cases of RVF
[in humans] through laboratory tests.
Experts are now warning that the situation in Madagascar poses a
direct threat to neighbouring nations such as Kenya, especially
because surrounding regions in Central Africa are anticipated to
witness an increase in precipitation above normal rains in the next
few months -- a condition that suits the spread of the disease.
"Considering that RVF outbreaks were reported in Kenya, Tanzania and
Sudan in 2007, and South Africa is currently experiencing an outbreak
of RVF, disease surveillance should be heightened and preparedness
plans put in place throughout the Eastern part of the African
continent. RVF surveillance efforts should be pursued in non-affected
areas since the disease can still spread," the report said.
A veterinary expert, Joseph Musaa, said unpredictable weather
patterns in the country offered a room for the re-emergence of the
disease and urged surveillance in main risk areas. "It is not that we
were only hit the other day so we are safe, the dangers of another
attack are alive because the effects of climate change are alive and
playing out," he told Business Daily.
Analysts said RVF is an arthropod-borne viral disease of ruminants,
camels and humans and may present itself [in humans] in an
uncomplicated influenza-like illness to a hemorrhagic disease
attacking the liver and showing in ocular or neurological lesions. In
animals, the disease may be unclear in non-pregnant adults, but
outbreaks are characterised by a large number of abortions and high
neonatal mortality.
Human infections have also resulted from the bites of infected
mosquitoes, most commonly the Aedes mosquito whose infected eggs can
survive through desiccation for months or years and restart
transmission after flooding.
Recommended preventive measures include, awareness campaigns,
increased disease surveillance and controlled animal movement to
prevent spread. Animal vaccination is also another strategy besides
use of mosquito
repellents and mosquito nets.
[Byline: Allan Odhiambo]
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[Subscribers are referred to FAO's recent 'EMPRES WATCH' document
"Rift Valley fever outbreaks in Madagascar and potential risks to
neighbouring countries," available online at
<http://www.fao.org/docs/eims/upload//24 ... 08_red.pdf>.
The 4-page overview includes the following paragraphs:
1. Introduction
2. Disease ecology and climatic drivers in East Africa
3. Situation of RVF outbreak in Madagascar
4. Risk Assessment for Rift Valley fever outbreaks
5. Recommendations
6. FAO in action
7. RVF Resources
8. Bibliography.
It also includes maps of Africa demonstrating vegetation index
anomalies and Rift Valley Fever Risk, as well as a map of Madagascar
with locations of the RVF infected areas/outbreaks and bovine
density. - Mod.AS]
****************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>
Date: Wed 7 May 2008
Source: Business Daily (Nairobi) via AllAfrica - East Africa [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200805061166.html>
Kenya Under Fresh Threat From Rift Valley Fever
-----------------------------------------------
When it struck barely a year ago, the dreaded Rift Valley fever [RVF]
left a 2 billion Shilling [3 224 8220 USD] void in the country's
livestock industry. And now experts are warning that the disease may
hit Kenya again and other neighbouring countries.
The new warning by the US National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) and World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
follows an acute outbreak of the viral disease on the Island of
Madagascar, off the coastline of East Africa.
The latest outbreak of RVF in Madagascar was 1st reported by
Agriculture Ministry on 9 Apr 2008, [following positive results of]
tests on 2 of 9 animals that were taken ill with symptoms associated
with the disease around Avaradrano, Antananarivo, 2 months earlier.
"The situation of RVF in Madagascar is very serious because the
2-month delay in disease reporting may have facilitated the spread of
the disease and the consequent confirmation of several human cases
and deaths. This could indicate that the infection is well
established in animals in this new epidemic," the experts warned in
the latest issue of the emergency prevention system (EMPRES) report
by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) [see further in the
commentary.- Mod.AS].
Analysts said the alarm by NASA and OIE would come handy for Kenya;
[from Dec 2006 to May 2007] the country [was] hit hard by an outbreak
of the disease that left more than 155 people killed and more than
700 infected. North Eastern province bore the brunt of the attack
with 333 cases of infections reported, closely followed by Rift
Valley province with 141 cases while Coast and Central provinces
recorded 14 and 13 incidents respectively.
Huge damage was also afflicted on the livestock industry where about
4000 animals were lost prompting the State to slap a ban on livestock
movements. Most consumers stopped eating livestock products, pushing
thousands of dealers and suppliers out of business.
According to EMPRES, the Health Ministry in Madagascar had already
reported 17 human deaths and 418 suspected infections as at mid April
[2008] in areas around Alaotra, Mangoro, Analamanga, Itasy,
Vakinakaratra and Anosy. The WHO has so far confirmed 59 cases of RVF
[in humans] through laboratory tests.
Experts are now warning that the situation in Madagascar poses a
direct threat to neighbouring nations such as Kenya, especially
because surrounding regions in Central Africa are anticipated to
witness an increase in precipitation above normal rains in the next
few months -- a condition that suits the spread of the disease.
"Considering that RVF outbreaks were reported in Kenya, Tanzania and
Sudan in 2007, and South Africa is currently experiencing an outbreak
of RVF, disease surveillance should be heightened and preparedness
plans put in place throughout the Eastern part of the African
continent. RVF surveillance efforts should be pursued in non-affected
areas since the disease can still spread," the report said.
A veterinary expert, Joseph Musaa, said unpredictable weather
patterns in the country offered a room for the re-emergence of the
disease and urged surveillance in main risk areas. "It is not that we
were only hit the other day so we are safe, the dangers of another
attack are alive because the effects of climate change are alive and
playing out," he told Business Daily.
Analysts said RVF is an arthropod-borne viral disease of ruminants,
camels and humans and may present itself [in humans] in an
uncomplicated influenza-like illness to a hemorrhagic disease
attacking the liver and showing in ocular or neurological lesions. In
animals, the disease may be unclear in non-pregnant adults, but
outbreaks are characterised by a large number of abortions and high
neonatal mortality.
Human infections have also resulted from the bites of infected
mosquitoes, most commonly the Aedes mosquito whose infected eggs can
survive through desiccation for months or years and restart
transmission after flooding.
Recommended preventive measures include, awareness campaigns,
increased disease surveillance and controlled animal movement to
prevent spread. Animal vaccination is also another strategy besides
use of mosquito
repellents and mosquito nets.
[Byline: Allan Odhiambo]
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[Subscribers are referred to FAO's recent 'EMPRES WATCH' document
"Rift Valley fever outbreaks in Madagascar and potential risks to
neighbouring countries," available online at
<http://www.fao.org/docs/eims/upload//24 ... 08_red.pdf>.
The 4-page overview includes the following paragraphs:
1. Introduction
2. Disease ecology and climatic drivers in East Africa
3. Situation of RVF outbreak in Madagascar
4. Risk Assessment for Rift Valley fever outbreaks
5. Recommendations
6. FAO in action
7. RVF Resources
8. Bibliography.
It also includes maps of Africa demonstrating vegetation index
anomalies and Rift Valley Fever Risk, as well as a map of Madagascar
with locations of the RVF infected areas/outbreaks and bovine
density. - Mod.AS]
-
Birgitt
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- Beiträge: 35254
- Registriert: Di 2. Aug 2005, 22:52
- Wohnort: NRW / Südl. Rheinland
- Kontaktdaten:
Re: Rift-Tal-Fieber - Rift-Valley-Fever (RVF)
Madagaskar - Rift Valley-Fieber (RVF)
19.05.2008
Ein neuer Ausbruch dieser mückenübertragenen Viruskrankheit hatte im Frühjahr auf Madagaskar zu mehr als 400 gemeldeten menschlichen Erkrankungen geführt. Vorausgegangen waren Ausbrüche bei Tieren (vorwiegend Paarhufern) in den Regionen Alaotra Mangoro, Analamanga, Itasy, Vakinakaratra und Anosy. In der Regel verläuft die Erkrankung grippeähnlich, kann jedoch gelegentlich zu Komplikationen an Hirn, Augen, Leber sowie zu Blutungen führen. Betroffen ist in erster Linie die entsprechend exponierte ländliche Bevölkerung, weniger der Reisende. Schutz vor Überträgermücken (vorwiegend tagaktiv) sowie strenge Nahrungshygiene (Fleisch, Milch) sind zu beachten. Die Nähe von Tieren wie Rinder, Schafe, Ziegen, Kamele ist zu meiden. / Quelle: crm
19.05.2008
Ein neuer Ausbruch dieser mückenübertragenen Viruskrankheit hatte im Frühjahr auf Madagaskar zu mehr als 400 gemeldeten menschlichen Erkrankungen geführt. Vorausgegangen waren Ausbrüche bei Tieren (vorwiegend Paarhufern) in den Regionen Alaotra Mangoro, Analamanga, Itasy, Vakinakaratra und Anosy. In der Regel verläuft die Erkrankung grippeähnlich, kann jedoch gelegentlich zu Komplikationen an Hirn, Augen, Leber sowie zu Blutungen führen. Betroffen ist in erster Linie die entsprechend exponierte ländliche Bevölkerung, weniger der Reisende. Schutz vor Überträgermücken (vorwiegend tagaktiv) sowie strenge Nahrungshygiene (Fleisch, Milch) sind zu beachten. Die Nähe von Tieren wie Rinder, Schafe, Ziegen, Kamele ist zu meiden. / Quelle: crm
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Birgitt
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- Beiträge: 35254
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Re: Rift-Tal-Fieber - Rift-Valley-Fever (RVF)
RIFT VALLEY FEVER - SOUTH AFRICA
********************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>
Date: Tue 1 Jul 2008
From: Lucille Blumberg <lucilleb@nicd.ac.za>
[In ProMED-mail post "Rift Valley fever, livestock - South Africa:
OIE 20080607.1813" it was observed that the absence of reports of
human cases is unusual given that a 2007 outbreak spread from Kenya
to Somalia and Tanzania, killing more than 100 people in each
country. The following communication supplies data on human cases.]
Update on human cases of Rift Valley Fever in South Africa 2008
---------------------------------------------------------------
From January 2008 to June 2008, Rift Valley fever (RVF) affecting
cattle, buffalo, and goats was confirmed in a number of localities in
4 provinces in South Africa -- Mpumalanga, North West, Gauteng, and
Limpopo. To date there have been 18 laboratory confirmed human cases
identified through serology for IgG and IgM using a recombinant ELISA
[enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay] technique performed on all
high-risk persons and/or RT-PCR [reverse transcriptase polymerase
chain reaction] on those with acute symptoms suggestive of RVF. All
18 persons had close and significant contact with infected animals or
their tissues. These included a veterinary surgeon exposed during a
necropsy, 4 veterinary students and 2 technicians exposed during
necropsies, a veterinary student who examined an ill calf and 10 farm
workers who either handled infected animals or were involved in
slaughtering livestock. All patients developed fever and myalgia,
encephalitis was noted in 2 of the patients, and 5 of 6 patients
tested demonstrated minor liver dysfunction. One patient remains ill
due to an underlying illness while all the others have recovered with
no sequelae.
--
Lucille Blumberg, Janusz Paweska, Jackie Weyer
Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FELTP) residents
Robert Swanepoel
Special Pathogens and Epidemiology Units
National Institute for Communicable Diseases,
No 1 Modderfontein Rd
Sandringham, Johannesburg
South Africa
<lucilleb@nicd.ac.za>
[Rift Valley fever 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 and North Africa. In 1997-98, a major outbreak occurred in
Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania, and in September 2000, RVF cases were
confirmed in Saudi Arabia and Yemen, marking the 1st reported
occurrence of the disease outside the African continent [see ProMED
archives below].
According to the WHO
(<http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs207/en/>) the vast
majority of human infections result from direct or indirect contact
with the blood or organs of infected animals. The virus can be
transmitted to humans through the handling of animal tissue during
slaughtering or butchering, assisting with animal births, conducting
veterinary procedures, or from the disposal of carcasses or fetuses.
Certain occupational groups such as herders, farmers, slaughterhouse
workers, and veterinarians are therefore at higher risk of infection.
The virus infects humans through inoculation, for example via a wound
from an infected knife or through contact with broken skin, or
through inhalation of aerosols produced during the slaughter of
infected animals. The aerosol mode of transmission has also led to
infection in laboratory workers. There is some evidence that humans
may also become infected with RVF by ingesting the unpasteurized or
uncooked milk of infected animals.
Human infections have also resulted from the bites of infected
mosquitoes, most commonly _Aedes_ spp. Transmission of RVF
virus by haematophagous flies is also possible.
To date, no human-to-human transmission of RVF has been documented,
and no transmission of RVF to health care workers has been reported
when standard infection control precautions have been put in place.
There has been no evidence of outbreaks of RVF in urban areas.
A map of the provinces of South Africa can be accessed at
<http://www.sa-venues.com/maps/south-afr ... vinces.htm>. - Mod.CP]
********************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>
Date: Tue 1 Jul 2008
From: Lucille Blumberg <lucilleb@nicd.ac.za>
[In ProMED-mail post "Rift Valley fever, livestock - South Africa:
OIE 20080607.1813" it was observed that the absence of reports of
human cases is unusual given that a 2007 outbreak spread from Kenya
to Somalia and Tanzania, killing more than 100 people in each
country. The following communication supplies data on human cases.]
Update on human cases of Rift Valley Fever in South Africa 2008
---------------------------------------------------------------
From January 2008 to June 2008, Rift Valley fever (RVF) affecting
cattle, buffalo, and goats was confirmed in a number of localities in
4 provinces in South Africa -- Mpumalanga, North West, Gauteng, and
Limpopo. To date there have been 18 laboratory confirmed human cases
identified through serology for IgG and IgM using a recombinant ELISA
[enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay] technique performed on all
high-risk persons and/or RT-PCR [reverse transcriptase polymerase
chain reaction] on those with acute symptoms suggestive of RVF. All
18 persons had close and significant contact with infected animals or
their tissues. These included a veterinary surgeon exposed during a
necropsy, 4 veterinary students and 2 technicians exposed during
necropsies, a veterinary student who examined an ill calf and 10 farm
workers who either handled infected animals or were involved in
slaughtering livestock. All patients developed fever and myalgia,
encephalitis was noted in 2 of the patients, and 5 of 6 patients
tested demonstrated minor liver dysfunction. One patient remains ill
due to an underlying illness while all the others have recovered with
no sequelae.
--
Lucille Blumberg, Janusz Paweska, Jackie Weyer
Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FELTP) residents
Robert Swanepoel
Special Pathogens and Epidemiology Units
National Institute for Communicable Diseases,
No 1 Modderfontein Rd
Sandringham, Johannesburg
South Africa
<lucilleb@nicd.ac.za>
[Rift Valley fever 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 and North Africa. In 1997-98, a major outbreak occurred in
Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania, and in September 2000, RVF cases were
confirmed in Saudi Arabia and Yemen, marking the 1st reported
occurrence of the disease outside the African continent [see ProMED
archives below].
According to the WHO
(<http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs207/en/>) the vast
majority of human infections result from direct or indirect contact
with the blood or organs of infected animals. The virus can be
transmitted to humans through the handling of animal tissue during
slaughtering or butchering, assisting with animal births, conducting
veterinary procedures, or from the disposal of carcasses or fetuses.
Certain occupational groups such as herders, farmers, slaughterhouse
workers, and veterinarians are therefore at higher risk of infection.
The virus infects humans through inoculation, for example via a wound
from an infected knife or through contact with broken skin, or
through inhalation of aerosols produced during the slaughter of
infected animals. The aerosol mode of transmission has also led to
infection in laboratory workers. There is some evidence that humans
may also become infected with RVF by ingesting the unpasteurized or
uncooked milk of infected animals.
Human infections have also resulted from the bites of infected
mosquitoes, most commonly _Aedes_ spp. Transmission of RVF
virus by haematophagous flies is also possible.
To date, no human-to-human transmission of RVF has been documented,
and no transmission of RVF to health care workers has been reported
when standard infection control precautions have been put in place.
There has been no evidence of outbreaks of RVF in urban areas.
A map of the provinces of South Africa can be accessed at
<http://www.sa-venues.com/maps/south-afr ... vinces.htm>. - Mod.CP]
-
Birgitt
- Moderator
- Beiträge: 35254
- Registriert: Di 2. Aug 2005, 22:52
- Wohnort: NRW / Südl. Rheinland
- Kontaktdaten:
Re: Rift-Tal-Fieber - Rift-Valley-Fever (RVF)
RIFT VALLEY FEVER - MADAGASCAR (02)
***********************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>
Date: Tue 15 Jul 2008
Source: afrol News [edited]
<http://www.afrol.com/articles/29834>
Madagascar needs more help to combat deadly Rift Valley fever outbreak
----------------------------------------------------------------------
United Nations agencies helping to support Madagascar's emergency plan have
appealed to international donors to step in, to extend coverage of all
populations at risk of the deadly outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in
the country. RVF in Madagascar has already caused 20 human deaths as well
as affecting livestock, according to reports by UN agencies. Since January
[2008], RVF has been reported in both animals and humans in more than 20
out of 119 districts of Madagascar, primarily in the north, south, and
central highlands. By the end of June [2008], Madagascar's Ministry of
Health had reported a total of 520 human-suspected cases related to RVF,
including 20 deaths. Laboratory tests have confirmed 84 human cases so far.
The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health
Organization (WHO) have helped Malagasy authorities develop an Emergency
Response Plan, which includes providing disease management for affected
livestock herds and human populations at risk, reinforcing livestock
disease surveillance and improving reporting systems and laboratory
diagnostics.
Transmitted by mosquitoes, RVF is a dangerous disease that affects both
livestock -- including sheep, goats, cattle, and camels -- and humans, but
is usually well established in animal populations by the time the 1st human
cases are observed.
Humans become infected through mosquito bites or direct contact with
infected material and liquids such as animal blood during slaughtering,
while the uncooked milk of infected animals can also pose a risk. No cases
of human-to-human transmission have ever been reported.
While some infected people experience no detectable symptoms, others
develop flu-like fever, muscle pain, headaches, joint pain, vomiting, loss
of appetite, and sensitivity to light. In more severe cases patients can
also experience lesions in their eyes, neurological problems, liver
impairment, and haemorrhagic fever symptoms including widespread bleeding.
FAO and WHO have received a total of USD 376 000 from the UN Central
Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support the emergency plan, but the 2
agencies are appealing to international donors to help extend the programme
to areas not yet covered, aiming to cover all populations at risk.
--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[The outbreak of RVF in Madagascar was reported by the Agriculture Ministry
on 9 Apr 2008, following positive results of tests on 2 of nine 9 that were
taken ill with symptoms associated with the disease 2 months previously.
The RVF situation in Madagascar has become serious because the 2 month
delay in disease reporting facilitated the spread of the disease and the
consequent occurrence of several human cases and deaths.
By 18 Apr 2008 a total of 418 human cases and 17 deaths had been recorded.
By the end of June 2008 the human case number had become 520 with 20
fatalities, suggesting a degree of containment of the outbreak. However, as
yet only 84 cases have been confirmed by laboratory testing.
The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Madagascar can be accessed at
<http://healthmap.org/promed?v=-19.4,46.7,5>. - Mod.CP]
***********************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>
Date: Tue 15 Jul 2008
Source: afrol News [edited]
<http://www.afrol.com/articles/29834>
Madagascar needs more help to combat deadly Rift Valley fever outbreak
----------------------------------------------------------------------
United Nations agencies helping to support Madagascar's emergency plan have
appealed to international donors to step in, to extend coverage of all
populations at risk of the deadly outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in
the country. RVF in Madagascar has already caused 20 human deaths as well
as affecting livestock, according to reports by UN agencies. Since January
[2008], RVF has been reported in both animals and humans in more than 20
out of 119 districts of Madagascar, primarily in the north, south, and
central highlands. By the end of June [2008], Madagascar's Ministry of
Health had reported a total of 520 human-suspected cases related to RVF,
including 20 deaths. Laboratory tests have confirmed 84 human cases so far.
The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health
Organization (WHO) have helped Malagasy authorities develop an Emergency
Response Plan, which includes providing disease management for affected
livestock herds and human populations at risk, reinforcing livestock
disease surveillance and improving reporting systems and laboratory
diagnostics.
Transmitted by mosquitoes, RVF is a dangerous disease that affects both
livestock -- including sheep, goats, cattle, and camels -- and humans, but
is usually well established in animal populations by the time the 1st human
cases are observed.
Humans become infected through mosquito bites or direct contact with
infected material and liquids such as animal blood during slaughtering,
while the uncooked milk of infected animals can also pose a risk. No cases
of human-to-human transmission have ever been reported.
While some infected people experience no detectable symptoms, others
develop flu-like fever, muscle pain, headaches, joint pain, vomiting, loss
of appetite, and sensitivity to light. In more severe cases patients can
also experience lesions in their eyes, neurological problems, liver
impairment, and haemorrhagic fever symptoms including widespread bleeding.
FAO and WHO have received a total of USD 376 000 from the UN Central
Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support the emergency plan, but the 2
agencies are appealing to international donors to help extend the programme
to areas not yet covered, aiming to cover all populations at risk.
--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[The outbreak of RVF in Madagascar was reported by the Agriculture Ministry
on 9 Apr 2008, following positive results of tests on 2 of nine 9 that were
taken ill with symptoms associated with the disease 2 months previously.
The RVF situation in Madagascar has become serious because the 2 month
delay in disease reporting facilitated the spread of the disease and the
consequent occurrence of several human cases and deaths.
By 18 Apr 2008 a total of 418 human cases and 17 deaths had been recorded.
By the end of June 2008 the human case number had become 520 with 20
fatalities, suggesting a degree of containment of the outbreak. However, as
yet only 84 cases have been confirmed by laboratory testing.
The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Madagascar can be accessed at
<http://healthmap.org/promed?v=-19.4,46.7,5>. - Mod.CP]
-
Birgitt
- Moderator
- Beiträge: 35254
- Registriert: Di 2. Aug 2005, 22:52
- Wohnort: NRW / Südl. Rheinland
- Kontaktdaten:
Re: Rift-Tal-Fieber - Rift-Valley-Fever (RVF)
RIFT VALLEY FEVER - KENYA (02): (NORTH EASTERN), ALERT, PREVENTION
******************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>
Date: Fri 14 Nov 2008
Source: Afrique en Ligne, Panafrican News Agency (PANA) report [edited]
<http://www.afriquenligne.fr/news/africa ... 15889.html>
Kenya braces for imminent outbreak of Rift Valley fever
-------------------------------------------------------
Kenyan animal health authorities have issued an alert over an
imminent outbreak of Rift Valley fever [RVF] in the country's North
Eastern region bordering Ethiopia and Somalia. In the alert issued
Thursday [13 Nov 2008] from Garissa, the North Eastern Provincial
capital, 374 kilometres (232.4 mi) from Nairobi, a senior veterinary
officer, Dr Wycliffe Wangwe, said the on-going heavy rains and
warm/humid weather provide the optimal breeding conditions for
mosquitoes, which spread the deadly disease.
Wangwe therefore warned pastoralists in the region to move to high
grounds with their animals and avoid areas with stagnant floodwater
that may host mosquitoes, which are carriers of the viral disease.
He also advised livestock keepers in the region to liaise with the
public health department to acquire [animal] vaccines that may prove
vital in the fight against the disease, which is fatal to both
animals and humans.
Wangwe at the same time asked pastoralists to immediately report
cases of animals displaying symptoms such as hemorrhagic diarrhea,
shivering, abortions, or sudden deaths in both small and large animals.
The official emphasizes that carcasses of animals that have displayed
such symptoms should be buried in a 6-feet-deep (1.8 m) pit,
preferably under the supervision of a veterinary officer where possible.
Movement of animals from areas where the disease has been reported
should also be avoided as it will spread the disease to other areas.
He said the RVF vaccine was available free and welcomed all those who
did not present their animals for vaccination to do so as soon as
their local veterinary office announces the immunization programme.
The viral disease last hit the region in 2006, claiming the lives of
more than 40 people and thousands of animals.
Meanwhile the Ministry of Livestock Development has announced plans
to carry out a mop-up campaign in central rift valley district of
Naivasha for animals that were not vaccinated against the [peste des
petits ruminants] (PPR) disease during a vaccination campaign
exercise, which ended last week [week of 3 Nov 2008].
Naivasha District veterinary officer, Dr Evans Muthuma, said in a
statement Thursday [13 Nov 2008] that the exercise will begin Friday
[14 Nov 2008] and end on 24 Nov [2008].
The vaccination campaign for all shoats (sheep and goats) in Naivasha
District against PPR that ended on 8 Nov [2008] managed to net 122
814 animals in the district.
During the exercise, the animals were also vaccinated against the
Rift Valley fever.
--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[The application of the (live attenuated) RVF vaccine ahead of the
disease season is commendable. During the previous epizootic, which
started in Garissa in December 2006, vaccination was belated.
Views from experienced animal health workers on the safety and
efficacy of combined application of (live) vaccines against RVF and
PPR will be helpful. - Mod.AS
The North Eastern province of Kenya can be seen on the map at
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... /kenya.pdf>.
The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Kenya is available at
<http://healthmap.org/promed/en?g=400745&v=1,40.25,6>. - CopyEd.MJ]
******************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>
Date: Fri 14 Nov 2008
Source: Afrique en Ligne, Panafrican News Agency (PANA) report [edited]
<http://www.afriquenligne.fr/news/africa ... 15889.html>
Kenya braces for imminent outbreak of Rift Valley fever
-------------------------------------------------------
Kenyan animal health authorities have issued an alert over an
imminent outbreak of Rift Valley fever [RVF] in the country's North
Eastern region bordering Ethiopia and Somalia. In the alert issued
Thursday [13 Nov 2008] from Garissa, the North Eastern Provincial
capital, 374 kilometres (232.4 mi) from Nairobi, a senior veterinary
officer, Dr Wycliffe Wangwe, said the on-going heavy rains and
warm/humid weather provide the optimal breeding conditions for
mosquitoes, which spread the deadly disease.
Wangwe therefore warned pastoralists in the region to move to high
grounds with their animals and avoid areas with stagnant floodwater
that may host mosquitoes, which are carriers of the viral disease.
He also advised livestock keepers in the region to liaise with the
public health department to acquire [animal] vaccines that may prove
vital in the fight against the disease, which is fatal to both
animals and humans.
Wangwe at the same time asked pastoralists to immediately report
cases of animals displaying symptoms such as hemorrhagic diarrhea,
shivering, abortions, or sudden deaths in both small and large animals.
The official emphasizes that carcasses of animals that have displayed
such symptoms should be buried in a 6-feet-deep (1.8 m) pit,
preferably under the supervision of a veterinary officer where possible.
Movement of animals from areas where the disease has been reported
should also be avoided as it will spread the disease to other areas.
He said the RVF vaccine was available free and welcomed all those who
did not present their animals for vaccination to do so as soon as
their local veterinary office announces the immunization programme.
The viral disease last hit the region in 2006, claiming the lives of
more than 40 people and thousands of animals.
Meanwhile the Ministry of Livestock Development has announced plans
to carry out a mop-up campaign in central rift valley district of
Naivasha for animals that were not vaccinated against the [peste des
petits ruminants] (PPR) disease during a vaccination campaign
exercise, which ended last week [week of 3 Nov 2008].
Naivasha District veterinary officer, Dr Evans Muthuma, said in a
statement Thursday [13 Nov 2008] that the exercise will begin Friday
[14 Nov 2008] and end on 24 Nov [2008].
The vaccination campaign for all shoats (sheep and goats) in Naivasha
District against PPR that ended on 8 Nov [2008] managed to net 122
814 animals in the district.
During the exercise, the animals were also vaccinated against the
Rift Valley fever.
--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[The application of the (live attenuated) RVF vaccine ahead of the
disease season is commendable. During the previous epizootic, which
started in Garissa in December 2006, vaccination was belated.
Views from experienced animal health workers on the safety and
efficacy of combined application of (live) vaccines against RVF and
PPR will be helpful. - Mod.AS
The North Eastern province of Kenya can be seen on the map at
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... /kenya.pdf>.
The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Kenya is available at
<http://healthmap.org/promed/en?g=400745&v=1,40.25,6>. - CopyEd.MJ]
-
Birgitt
- Moderator
- Beiträge: 35254
- Registriert: Di 2. Aug 2005, 22:52
- Wohnort: NRW / Südl. Rheinland
- Kontaktdaten:
Re: Rift-Tal-Fieber - Rift-Valley-Fever (RVF)
RIFT VALLEY FEVER - AFRICA: WEST, ALERT
***************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>
Date: Sat, 5 Sep 2009
Source: BBC News [abridged, edited]
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/a ... 239552.stm>
Heavy flooding has now affected some 350 000 people across West
Africa, killing at least 32 in Ghana and Burkina Faso, UN officials say.
More than 150 000 people in Burkina Faso have fled their homes, mainly
in the capital Ouagadougou.
A UN spokeswoman said the amount of rain that fell in Ouagadougou on
one day this week was equal to a quarter of the whole country's annual
rainfall.
Neighbouring countries affected include Benin, Guinea, Niger and Senegal.
At least 7 people are known to have died in Burkina Faso, where the
capital has seen the heaviest rains in 90 years.
The authorities were forced to open the main gate of a hydroelectric
dam in the Volta River basin near the Ghana border to prevent further
flooding.
"Cultivated land on the reservoir's shores and further upstream will
be flooded. We warn riverside residents to stay away from the shores,"
Venance Bouda, the official in charge of hydroelectric power, told the
Associated Press news agency.
In Ghana, at least 25 people have already died in flooding-related
incidents, officials say.
The torrential rains have also hit other countries in the region. In
Senegal, 30 000 homes were flooded, while in Guinea, 20 000 people are
affected.
Our reporter says similar floods in 2007 killed 300 people.
--
Communicated by:
Shamsudeen Fagbo <oloungbo@yahoo.com>
[We are grateful to Shamsudeen Fagbo, who forwarded the above item to
ProMED-mail with his accompanying comment: "This may be post worthy;
it may warn of potential Rift Valley fever (RVF) outbreaks in the
nearest future in these areas." His comment seems to be fully justified.
Indeed, floods in this region are cause for alertness by both animal
health and public health authorities, since RVF is known to have
become endemic in the region, particularly in Senegal and in the
adjacent parts of Mauritania. The most striking effect of RVF in
animals are mass abortions, affecting sheep, goats and cattle. In
2003, the awareness of the Senegalese veterinary authorities led to
the detection of RVF in animals prior to the reporting of human cases.
RVF usually occurs in epizootics in Africa, which may involve several
countries in a region at one and the same time. These follow the
periodic cycles of exceptionally heavy rain, which may occur very
rarely in semi-arid zones (25-35 year cycles), or more frequently
(5-15 year cycles) in higher rainfall savannah grasslands. Low level
undetectable RVF activity may take place in inter-epizootic periods.
RVF should be suspected when unusually heavy rains are followed by the
occurrence of abortions together with fatal disease marked by necrosis
and haemorrhages in the liver that particularly affect newborn lambs,
kids and calves, concurrent with the occurrence of an influenza-like
illness in farm workers and people handling raw meat.
RVF virus may be isolated from serum and blood collected in an
anticoagulant during the febrile stage of the disease, from liver,
spleen and brain of animals that have died, or from aborted fetuses.
Preventative measures to protect workers from infection should be
employed when there are suspicions that RVF virus-infected meat and
tissue samples are to be handled.
RVF was initially recorded in southwest Mauritania and bordering north
Senegal in 1987, following the opening of Diama Dam at the mouth of
the Senegal River. The dam project created additional breeding grounds
for mosquitoes carrying the disease and initially resulted in more
than 200 human deaths from RVF. Senegal suffered outbreaks, though on
a more limited scale, in 1994, 1999, 2002 and 2003. - Mod.AS]
***************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>
Date: Sat, 5 Sep 2009
Source: BBC News [abridged, edited]
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/a ... 239552.stm>
Heavy flooding has now affected some 350 000 people across West
Africa, killing at least 32 in Ghana and Burkina Faso, UN officials say.
More than 150 000 people in Burkina Faso have fled their homes, mainly
in the capital Ouagadougou.
A UN spokeswoman said the amount of rain that fell in Ouagadougou on
one day this week was equal to a quarter of the whole country's annual
rainfall.
Neighbouring countries affected include Benin, Guinea, Niger and Senegal.
At least 7 people are known to have died in Burkina Faso, where the
capital has seen the heaviest rains in 90 years.
The authorities were forced to open the main gate of a hydroelectric
dam in the Volta River basin near the Ghana border to prevent further
flooding.
"Cultivated land on the reservoir's shores and further upstream will
be flooded. We warn riverside residents to stay away from the shores,"
Venance Bouda, the official in charge of hydroelectric power, told the
Associated Press news agency.
In Ghana, at least 25 people have already died in flooding-related
incidents, officials say.
The torrential rains have also hit other countries in the region. In
Senegal, 30 000 homes were flooded, while in Guinea, 20 000 people are
affected.
Our reporter says similar floods in 2007 killed 300 people.
--
Communicated by:
Shamsudeen Fagbo <oloungbo@yahoo.com>
[We are grateful to Shamsudeen Fagbo, who forwarded the above item to
ProMED-mail with his accompanying comment: "This may be post worthy;
it may warn of potential Rift Valley fever (RVF) outbreaks in the
nearest future in these areas." His comment seems to be fully justified.
Indeed, floods in this region are cause for alertness by both animal
health and public health authorities, since RVF is known to have
become endemic in the region, particularly in Senegal and in the
adjacent parts of Mauritania. The most striking effect of RVF in
animals are mass abortions, affecting sheep, goats and cattle. In
2003, the awareness of the Senegalese veterinary authorities led to
the detection of RVF in animals prior to the reporting of human cases.
RVF usually occurs in epizootics in Africa, which may involve several
countries in a region at one and the same time. These follow the
periodic cycles of exceptionally heavy rain, which may occur very
rarely in semi-arid zones (25-35 year cycles), or more frequently
(5-15 year cycles) in higher rainfall savannah grasslands. Low level
undetectable RVF activity may take place in inter-epizootic periods.
RVF should be suspected when unusually heavy rains are followed by the
occurrence of abortions together with fatal disease marked by necrosis
and haemorrhages in the liver that particularly affect newborn lambs,
kids and calves, concurrent with the occurrence of an influenza-like
illness in farm workers and people handling raw meat.
RVF virus may be isolated from serum and blood collected in an
anticoagulant during the febrile stage of the disease, from liver,
spleen and brain of animals that have died, or from aborted fetuses.
Preventative measures to protect workers from infection should be
employed when there are suspicions that RVF virus-infected meat and
tissue samples are to be handled.
RVF was initially recorded in southwest Mauritania and bordering north
Senegal in 1987, following the opening of Diama Dam at the mouth of
the Senegal River. The dam project created additional breeding grounds
for mosquitoes carrying the disease and initially resulted in more
than 200 human deaths from RVF. Senegal suffered outbreaks, though on
a more limited scale, in 1994, 1999, 2002 and 2003. - Mod.AS]
-
Birgitt
- Moderator
- Beiträge: 35254
- Registriert: Di 2. Aug 2005, 22:52
- Wohnort: NRW / Südl. Rheinland
- Kontaktdaten:
Re: Rift-Tal-Fieber - Rift-Valley-Fever (RVF)
RIFT VALLEY FEVER, OVINE, HUMAN - SOUTH AFRICA: (MPUMALANGA)
************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>
Date: August 2009
Source: National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) Communique
vol.8 No.(08 ) 2009,South Africa [edited]
<http://www.nicd.ac.za/pubs/communique/communique.htm>
An outbreak of Rift Valley fever was confirmed in sheep in the
Mbombela district of Mpumalanga Province in May 2009. No confirmed
human cases have been linked to this outbreak. Small focal outbreaks
of Rift Valley fever have been reported in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga,
Limpopo, and North West Provinces during 2008-2009.
A total of 17 human cases were confirmed in 2008, and only 3 cases in
2009 to date. All the confirmed cases had occupational exposure to
infected animals and included veterinarians, veterinary students,
farmers and farm workers.
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[An outbreak of RVF in South Africa, starting January and proclaimed
as resolved in June 2008, affecting animals in a total of 26 locations
in Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo, and North West Provinces, was
reported to the OIE last year. Reportedly, cattle and sheep were
vaccinated with a Live RVF vaccine to prevent additional cases. See
summary of the 8 submitted OIE notifications, with map, at
<http://www.oie.int/wahis/public.php?pag ... ortid=6780>.
A solitary outbreak in KwaZulu-Natal was reported in March 2009 -- see
ProMED ref. below.
RVF is endemic in South Africa, initially identified in 1951.
Epizootics occur once in several years, related to climatic
conditions; sporadic cases occur between epizootics. Vaccination
coverage in "peace time" is rather poor: according to the data
available on the WAHID interface, during 2008, a total of 1482 cattle
(out of a population of 11 547 078), namely 0.01 percent, were
vaccinated, as well as 53 goats (out of 5 025 607). No sheep were
vaccinated.
Readers are referred to an update/overview on RVF in humans in South
Africa as well as Mod.CP's commentary in ProMED-mail posting
20080701.2012.- Mod.AS]
[The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of South Africa is available at
<http://healthmap.org/r/00Q1>. - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]
************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>
Date: August 2009
Source: National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) Communique
vol.8 No.(08 ) 2009,South Africa [edited]
<http://www.nicd.ac.za/pubs/communique/communique.htm>
An outbreak of Rift Valley fever was confirmed in sheep in the
Mbombela district of Mpumalanga Province in May 2009. No confirmed
human cases have been linked to this outbreak. Small focal outbreaks
of Rift Valley fever have been reported in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga,
Limpopo, and North West Provinces during 2008-2009.
A total of 17 human cases were confirmed in 2008, and only 3 cases in
2009 to date. All the confirmed cases had occupational exposure to
infected animals and included veterinarians, veterinary students,
farmers and farm workers.
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[An outbreak of RVF in South Africa, starting January and proclaimed
as resolved in June 2008, affecting animals in a total of 26 locations
in Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo, and North West Provinces, was
reported to the OIE last year. Reportedly, cattle and sheep were
vaccinated with a Live RVF vaccine to prevent additional cases. See
summary of the 8 submitted OIE notifications, with map, at
<http://www.oie.int/wahis/public.php?pag ... ortid=6780>.
A solitary outbreak in KwaZulu-Natal was reported in March 2009 -- see
ProMED ref. below.
RVF is endemic in South Africa, initially identified in 1951.
Epizootics occur once in several years, related to climatic
conditions; sporadic cases occur between epizootics. Vaccination
coverage in "peace time" is rather poor: according to the data
available on the WAHID interface, during 2008, a total of 1482 cattle
(out of a population of 11 547 078), namely 0.01 percent, were
vaccinated, as well as 53 goats (out of 5 025 607). No sheep were
vaccinated.
Readers are referred to an update/overview on RVF in humans in South
Africa as well as Mod.CP's commentary in ProMED-mail posting
20080701.2012.- Mod.AS]
[The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of South Africa is available at
<http://healthmap.org/r/00Q1>. - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]
-
Birgitt
- Moderator
- Beiträge: 35254
- Registriert: Di 2. Aug 2005, 22:52
- Wohnort: NRW / Südl. Rheinland
- Kontaktdaten:
Re: Rift-Tal-Fieber - Rift-Valley-Fever (RVF)
RIFT VALLEY FEVER VIRUS - SOUTH AFRICA: (NORTHERN CAPE), NOVEL GENOTYPE
***********************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>
Dat: Fri 20 Nov 2009
From: Prof. Janusz T. Paweska
<januszp@nicd.ac.za>
A novel Rift Valley fever virus genotype strikes in Northern Cape, South Africa
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In mid October 2009, 4 suspected human cases of Rift Valley fever
(RVF) from the Northern Cape Province of South Africa were
investigated at the Special Pathogens Unit, National Institute for
Communicable Disease of the National Health Laboratory Service. Of
those, 2 were confirmed by serology, virus isolation and nucleic acid
detection as being recently infected with RVF virus. Analysis of
partial sequencing data of the M segment of a virus isolate recovered
from the index case revealed that the patient was infected with a RVF
virus genotype closest related to a 2004 Namibian isolate from the
Caprivi Strip, and clustering with a 1981 South African isolate from
the East Coast, and isolates from Senegal (1993), Central African
Republic (1969) and Guinea (1981, 1984), but not with other South
African isolates recovered from Kwazulu-Natal in March this year
[2009] and from other 4 provinces (Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West
and Gauteng) during 2008.
RVF outbreaks are associated either with spread of a single genotype
or with simultaneous emergence of multiple genotypes in endemic foci.
RVF virus isolates recovered during the last decade in southern and
eastern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Mauritania, and Madagascar
exhibit little genetic diversity, which indicates recent widespread
distribution of very closely related genotypes of the virus over a
vast area. Various isolates recovered from humans, cattle and buffalo
in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West and Gauteng in 2008 and in
Kwazulu-Natal in February/March 2009 are genetically almost identical
and very similar to isolates from eastern Africa, the Arabian
Peninsula, Mauritania, and Madagascar, but the recent isolate from
Northern Cape is genetically different. All laboratory confirmed
human cases (n = 25) in 2008-2009 in South Africa had very close
contact with infected animals and/or their tissues, including the 2
most recent cases in Northern Cape. There have been no!
mortalities.
RVF virus was 1st isolated in 1930 following an epizootic on a sheep
farm in the Rift Valley in Kenya and historically was endemic to
sub-Saharan Africa, but in the last 4 decades spread to Egypt, West
Africa and most recently to the Arabian Peninsula and the Archipelago
of Comoros, including the French Department of Mayotte. Humans become
infected from contact with tissues of infected animals or from
mosquito bite, and usually develop asymptomatic, mild or moderate
febrile illness. Severe complications that may be life-threatening
develop only in a small proportion of infected patients, but
substantial numbers of people may succumb to infection during large
outbreaks of the disease in livestock. Large outbreaks of RVF in
domestic ruminants occur at irregular intervals when exceptionally
heavy rains favour the breeding and high abundance of competent
mosquito vectors, and are associated with high mortality among
newborn animals and abortion in pregnant animals.
A major epizootic, which caused an estimated 500 000 abortions and
100 000 deaths of sheep, occurred in 1950-1951 in South Africa. The
2nd major and more widespread outbreak in South Africa caused
extensive losses of ruminants in 1974-1976. Small outbreaks of RVF or
sporadic virus isolations of the virus were recorded in South Africa
in 1981 and 1999 and most recently in 2008-2009. Compared to
historical outbreaks of RVF in South Africa, the recent outbreaks
appear to be very localized and affected relatively small numbers of
animals and humans. This might be due to the low level of endemicity
of RVF in the country, where prolonged dry spells since the 1974-76
have limited virus activity. However, the present cases diagnosed
early in the wet season this year might indicate increasing activity
of the virus in the country.
[Byline: JT Paweska, A Grobbelaar, J Weyer, P Leman, L Blumberg and B
Swanepoel]
--
Prof. Janusz T. Paweska,DVSc, Dr hab.
Head Special Pathogens Unit
National Institute for Communicable Diseases
of the National Health Laboratory Service
Private Bag X4, Sandringham-Johannesburg, 2131
Modderfontein Road 1, Gauteng, South Africa
<januszp@nicd.ac.za>j
[ProMED-mail thanks Professor Paweska and colleagues for providing
ProMED-mail and the wider community with this report describing the
identification of a novel genotype of Rift Valley Fever virus
recently isolated and characterised in South Africa. Although at
present still localised and affecting few animals and humans it needs
to be kept under surveillance lest it herald an imminent resurgence
of Rift Valley fever in southern Africa.
The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of South Africa can be accessed at:
<http://healthmap.org/r/00vd>, and a map of the provinces of South Africa at:
<http://www.sa-venues.com/maps/south-afr ... vinces.htm>. - Mod.CP]
***********************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>
Dat: Fri 20 Nov 2009
From: Prof. Janusz T. Paweska
<januszp@nicd.ac.za>
A novel Rift Valley fever virus genotype strikes in Northern Cape, South Africa
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In mid October 2009, 4 suspected human cases of Rift Valley fever
(RVF) from the Northern Cape Province of South Africa were
investigated at the Special Pathogens Unit, National Institute for
Communicable Disease of the National Health Laboratory Service. Of
those, 2 were confirmed by serology, virus isolation and nucleic acid
detection as being recently infected with RVF virus. Analysis of
partial sequencing data of the M segment of a virus isolate recovered
from the index case revealed that the patient was infected with a RVF
virus genotype closest related to a 2004 Namibian isolate from the
Caprivi Strip, and clustering with a 1981 South African isolate from
the East Coast, and isolates from Senegal (1993), Central African
Republic (1969) and Guinea (1981, 1984), but not with other South
African isolates recovered from Kwazulu-Natal in March this year
[2009] and from other 4 provinces (Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West
and Gauteng) during 2008.
RVF outbreaks are associated either with spread of a single genotype
or with simultaneous emergence of multiple genotypes in endemic foci.
RVF virus isolates recovered during the last decade in southern and
eastern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Mauritania, and Madagascar
exhibit little genetic diversity, which indicates recent widespread
distribution of very closely related genotypes of the virus over a
vast area. Various isolates recovered from humans, cattle and buffalo
in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West and Gauteng in 2008 and in
Kwazulu-Natal in February/March 2009 are genetically almost identical
and very similar to isolates from eastern Africa, the Arabian
Peninsula, Mauritania, and Madagascar, but the recent isolate from
Northern Cape is genetically different. All laboratory confirmed
human cases (n = 25) in 2008-2009 in South Africa had very close
contact with infected animals and/or their tissues, including the 2
most recent cases in Northern Cape. There have been no!
mortalities.
RVF virus was 1st isolated in 1930 following an epizootic on a sheep
farm in the Rift Valley in Kenya and historically was endemic to
sub-Saharan Africa, but in the last 4 decades spread to Egypt, West
Africa and most recently to the Arabian Peninsula and the Archipelago
of Comoros, including the French Department of Mayotte. Humans become
infected from contact with tissues of infected animals or from
mosquito bite, and usually develop asymptomatic, mild or moderate
febrile illness. Severe complications that may be life-threatening
develop only in a small proportion of infected patients, but
substantial numbers of people may succumb to infection during large
outbreaks of the disease in livestock. Large outbreaks of RVF in
domestic ruminants occur at irregular intervals when exceptionally
heavy rains favour the breeding and high abundance of competent
mosquito vectors, and are associated with high mortality among
newborn animals and abortion in pregnant animals.
A major epizootic, which caused an estimated 500 000 abortions and
100 000 deaths of sheep, occurred in 1950-1951 in South Africa. The
2nd major and more widespread outbreak in South Africa caused
extensive losses of ruminants in 1974-1976. Small outbreaks of RVF or
sporadic virus isolations of the virus were recorded in South Africa
in 1981 and 1999 and most recently in 2008-2009. Compared to
historical outbreaks of RVF in South Africa, the recent outbreaks
appear to be very localized and affected relatively small numbers of
animals and humans. This might be due to the low level of endemicity
of RVF in the country, where prolonged dry spells since the 1974-76
have limited virus activity. However, the present cases diagnosed
early in the wet season this year might indicate increasing activity
of the virus in the country.
[Byline: JT Paweska, A Grobbelaar, J Weyer, P Leman, L Blumberg and B
Swanepoel]
--
Prof. Janusz T. Paweska,DVSc, Dr hab.
Head Special Pathogens Unit
National Institute for Communicable Diseases
of the National Health Laboratory Service
Private Bag X4, Sandringham-Johannesburg, 2131
Modderfontein Road 1, Gauteng, South Africa
<januszp@nicd.ac.za>j
[ProMED-mail thanks Professor Paweska and colleagues for providing
ProMED-mail and the wider community with this report describing the
identification of a novel genotype of Rift Valley Fever virus
recently isolated and characterised in South Africa. Although at
present still localised and affecting few animals and humans it needs
to be kept under surveillance lest it herald an imminent resurgence
of Rift Valley fever in southern Africa.
The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of South Africa can be accessed at:
<http://healthmap.org/r/00vd>, and a map of the provinces of South Africa at:
<http://www.sa-venues.com/maps/south-afr ... vinces.htm>. - Mod.CP]
-
Birgitt
- Moderator
- Beiträge: 35254
- Registriert: Di 2. Aug 2005, 22:52
- Wohnort: NRW / Südl. Rheinland
- Kontaktdaten:
Re: Rift-Tal-Fieber - Rift-Valley-Fever (RVF)
RIFT VALLEY FEVER - SOUTH AFRICA: (FREE STATE, NORTH CAPE)
***********************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>
Date: Mon 8 Mar 2010
Source: News 24.com, SAPA report [edited]
<http://www.news24.com/Content/SouthAfri ... r_outbreak>
Rift Valley Fever outbreak
--------------------------
There were 7 confirmed cases of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in the Free
State and Northern Cape and one death reported, the deputy minister
of health said on Monday [8 Mar 2010].
"A 45-year-old patient who was admitted to a mine hospital on 26 Feb
2010 with a provisional diagnosis of Congo fever, died a day later
and confirmation of RVF was made on 4 Mar 2010," said Molefi Sefularo
in a statement. "The 6 others, who had mild disease, continue to be
under observation and treatment." Sefularo, who was on an inspection
tour of the Pelonomi hospital in the Free State to inspect the level
of readiness of health facilities for the FIFA World Cup, said the
disease posed no threat to the event. "I would like to place it on
record that this occurrence does not constitute a crisis. The
outbreak is being contained," he said.
RVF is a communicable virus, endemic in South Africa and other
African countries. In animals, the virus is transmitted by mosquitoes
and causes outbreaks of abortion and deaths of young sheep, cattle
and goats. It [can be] transmitted to humans through contact with
infected livestock through direct or indirect contact with blood or
organs of infected animals; the handling of animal tissue during
slaughtering or butchering of animals or assisting with animal
births; conducting veterinary services or through being cut by
infected knives or needles among other things.
Sefularo said 15 farms had reported laboratory confirmed animal cases
with extensive livestock deaths. The affected farms were primarily
clustered around the Lejweleputswa District in the Bultfontein area.
He said no human-to-human transmission had occurred. Symptoms of the
virus were mild fever, headaches and muscle pain.
Sefularo appealed to farming communities in the Free State and
Northern Cape to avoid high risk husbandry procedures and
slaughtering practices by using gloves and protective clothing and to
avoid the consumption of fresh blood, raw milk or animal tissue.
--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a viral zoonosis that primarily affects
animals but also has the capacity to infect humans. Infection can
cause severe disease in both animals and humans, leading to high
rates of disease and death. The disease also results in significant
economic losses due to death and abortion among RVF-infected
livestock. The virus was 1st 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 elsewhere
in Africa.
The vast majority of human infections result from direct or indirect
contact with the blood or organs of infected animals. The virus can
be transmitted to humans through the handling of animal tissue during
slaughtering or butchering, assisting with animal births, conducting
veterinary procedures, or from the disposal of carcasses or fetuses.
Certain occupational groups such as herders, farmers, abbatoir
workers and veterinarians are therefore at higher risk of infection.
Human infections have also resulted from the bites of infected
mosquitoes, most commonly the _Aedes_ mosquito, and transmission of
RVF virus by hematophagous (blood-feeding) flies is also possible.
While most human cases are relatively mild, a small percentage of
patients develop a much more severe form of the disease. This usually
appears as one or more of 3 distinct syndromes: ocular disease (0.5-2
percent of patients), meningoencephalitis (less than 1 percent) or
haemorrhagic fever (less than 1 percent). The total case fatality
rate has varied widely between different epidemics but, overall, has
been less than 1 percent in those documented. Most fatalities occur
in patients who develop the haemorrhagic icterus form.
As outbreaks of RVF in animals precede human cases, the establishment
of an active animal health surveillance system to detect new cases is
essential in providing early warning for veterinary and human public
health authorities. Further information can be obtained at:
<http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factshee ... index.html>.
A map of the provinces of South Africa, showing the adjacent
provinces of the Free State and North Cape, can be accessed at
<http://www.sa-venues.com/maps/south-afr ... s.htm>.The
HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of South Africa is available at
<http://healthmap.org/r/00vd>. - Mod.CP]
***********************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>
Date: Mon 8 Mar 2010
Source: News 24.com, SAPA report [edited]
<http://www.news24.com/Content/SouthAfri ... r_outbreak>
Rift Valley Fever outbreak
--------------------------
There were 7 confirmed cases of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in the Free
State and Northern Cape and one death reported, the deputy minister
of health said on Monday [8 Mar 2010].
"A 45-year-old patient who was admitted to a mine hospital on 26 Feb
2010 with a provisional diagnosis of Congo fever, died a day later
and confirmation of RVF was made on 4 Mar 2010," said Molefi Sefularo
in a statement. "The 6 others, who had mild disease, continue to be
under observation and treatment." Sefularo, who was on an inspection
tour of the Pelonomi hospital in the Free State to inspect the level
of readiness of health facilities for the FIFA World Cup, said the
disease posed no threat to the event. "I would like to place it on
record that this occurrence does not constitute a crisis. The
outbreak is being contained," he said.
RVF is a communicable virus, endemic in South Africa and other
African countries. In animals, the virus is transmitted by mosquitoes
and causes outbreaks of abortion and deaths of young sheep, cattle
and goats. It [can be] transmitted to humans through contact with
infected livestock through direct or indirect contact with blood or
organs of infected animals; the handling of animal tissue during
slaughtering or butchering of animals or assisting with animal
births; conducting veterinary services or through being cut by
infected knives or needles among other things.
Sefularo said 15 farms had reported laboratory confirmed animal cases
with extensive livestock deaths. The affected farms were primarily
clustered around the Lejweleputswa District in the Bultfontein area.
He said no human-to-human transmission had occurred. Symptoms of the
virus were mild fever, headaches and muscle pain.
Sefularo appealed to farming communities in the Free State and
Northern Cape to avoid high risk husbandry procedures and
slaughtering practices by using gloves and protective clothing and to
avoid the consumption of fresh blood, raw milk or animal tissue.
--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a viral zoonosis that primarily affects
animals but also has the capacity to infect humans. Infection can
cause severe disease in both animals and humans, leading to high
rates of disease and death. The disease also results in significant
economic losses due to death and abortion among RVF-infected
livestock. The virus was 1st 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 elsewhere
in Africa.
The vast majority of human infections result from direct or indirect
contact with the blood or organs of infected animals. The virus can
be transmitted to humans through the handling of animal tissue during
slaughtering or butchering, assisting with animal births, conducting
veterinary procedures, or from the disposal of carcasses or fetuses.
Certain occupational groups such as herders, farmers, abbatoir
workers and veterinarians are therefore at higher risk of infection.
Human infections have also resulted from the bites of infected
mosquitoes, most commonly the _Aedes_ mosquito, and transmission of
RVF virus by hematophagous (blood-feeding) flies is also possible.
While most human cases are relatively mild, a small percentage of
patients develop a much more severe form of the disease. This usually
appears as one or more of 3 distinct syndromes: ocular disease (0.5-2
percent of patients), meningoencephalitis (less than 1 percent) or
haemorrhagic fever (less than 1 percent). The total case fatality
rate has varied widely between different epidemics but, overall, has
been less than 1 percent in those documented. Most fatalities occur
in patients who develop the haemorrhagic icterus form.
As outbreaks of RVF in animals precede human cases, the establishment
of an active animal health surveillance system to detect new cases is
essential in providing early warning for veterinary and human public
health authorities. Further information can be obtained at:
<http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factshee ... index.html>.
A map of the provinces of South Africa, showing the adjacent
provinces of the Free State and North Cape, can be accessed at
<http://www.sa-venues.com/maps/south-afr ... s.htm>.The
HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of South Africa is available at
<http://healthmap.org/r/00vd>. - Mod.CP]




