Dr. Boly Diop, head of RVF surveillance at the health ministry, told the media that the outbreak is raising concerns about further spread. “This is the first time Senegal has counted so many people affected,” Diop told local media.
A major outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) has swept across Senegal, leaving over 100 individuals infected by the mosquito-borne disease, while 18 deaths have been reported. Health authorities confirmed the outbreak on Thursday, raising an alarm that most cases have been reported in northern Senegal’s livestock-producing regions.
Dr. Boly Diop, head of RVF surveillance at the health ministry, told the media that the outbreak is raising concerns about further spread. He said, “This is the first time Senegal has counted so many people affected.”
What Is Rift Valley Fever (RVF)?
Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is an acute viral disease that primarily affects animals like cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels. The virus can be transmitted to humans through direct or indirect contact with the blood or organs of infected animals. Rift Valley Fever is also known as a mosquito-borne disease because mosquitoes can carry the virus after feeding on infected animals, and when a person is bitten by an infected mosquito, they may become ill.
The Rift Valley Fever virus is a member of the Phlebovirus genus. It was first identified in 1931 while scientists were investigating an epidemic among sheep in Kenya’s Rift Valley, which is how the virus got its name.
Symptoms of Rift Valley Fever (RVF)
Symptoms of Rift Valley Fever may vary from person to person. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that the disease ranges from a mild flu-like illness to severe haemorrhagic fever that can be lethal.
“Most infections in humans will lead to no symptoms or a mild form of the disease characterized by a feverish syndrome with sudden onset of flu-like fever, muscle and joint pain and headache,” WHO explains. “Some patients develop neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, loss of appetite and vomiting.” The global health organization warns that in some cases, early symptoms of Rift Valley Fever may be mistaken for meningitis.
Who Is At Risk?
According to healthcare providers, people mostly in certain occupational groups, such as herders, farmers, slaughterhouse workers, and veterinarians, are at higher risk of infection.
The best way to protect against or prevent Rift Valley Fever is by raising awareness of the RVF infection. Some protective measures to reduce human infection of the virus may include as reducing the risk of animal-to-human transmission, vector control, and personal and community protection against mosquito bites.
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