Rift Valley Fever

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a viral disease spread by infected mosquitoes which primarily affects domesticated animals and can also be transmitted to humans. Symptoms of the disease can include fever, muscle pain, headache, and in some cases blindness, liver damage, and death. Rift Valley Fever is found in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. Outbreaks in humans are often associated with periodic flooding, which leads to the multiplication of infected mosquitoes and can lead to large numbers of people being infected quickly. RVF has been listed as a Priority Pathogen by the World Health Organization. Governments, researchers, and veterinarians work together to implement preventative measures such as reducing mosquito breeding sites and providing information to people living in RVF-endemic areas. Vaccines are being developed and studied to reduce the potential of future outbreaks.