Named after the Kenyan valley where it was first identified, Rift Valley fever usually affects livestock, though occasional animal-to-human infections result. The disease is largely limited to the African continent and takes its greatest toll on farmers who lose massive numbers of animals in the wake of an outbreak.
First detected in 1931, the virus typically infects sheep, goats, cattle and camels. Outbreaks are signaled by a rash of unexplainable stillbirths in livestock. Humans may contract Rift Valley fever through direct contact with infected animal tissue, including blood and airborne particles released during slaughtering, butchering and veterinary procedures.
After an incubation period of two to six days, infected humans exhibit flu-like symptoms including fever, muscle pain, vomiting and sensitivity to light. The latter symptom may lead to misdiagnosis of the more serious meningitis bacteria. Most cases of Rift Valley virus resolve themselves with little or no long-term effects, while rare cases can lead to serious complications and death.
How serious: Rift Valley fever is not usually serious, though a low percentage of patients may experience loss of vision, neurological disorders or a fatal hemorrhagic fever.
How likely: as the virus is transmitted through direct contact with diseased animal tissue, routine travelers face virtually no risk.
How to get it: Rift Valley virus is contracted when tissue from a diseased animal comes in contact with broken skin or when airborne particles are inhaled as an animal is slaughtered. Certain mosquitoes and biting flies can also carry the virus.
Where it is found: the disease is found in African countries of Tanzania, Kenya and Somalia with an isolated outbreak off-continent in Saudi Arabia.
Symptoms: of infection include fever, joint and muscle pain, diarrhea, and headache while rare cases produce eye disease or potentially fatal internal bleeding and swelling around the brain stem.
How to avoid it: the best prevention is to avoid contact with potentially diseased animals as well as guarding against mosquito bites in infected regions.
How to treat it: most cases are not severe and can be treated symptomatically, while patients experiencing rare complications such as loss of vision or disorientation must seek immediate medical attention.
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