Rift Valley Fever Outbreak in Mauritania and Senegal
The World Health Organization reported an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever that resulted in 42 deaths and over 400 infections between September 20 and October 30 in Mauritania and Senegal.
Impact on Animals and Humans
In Mauritania, 200 animals tested positive for the virus, while 176 were infected in Senegal. Rift Valley Fever is primarily a mosquito-borne disease affecting animals but can also be transmitted to humans through airborne bodily fluids from infected animals.
Severity and Symptoms in Humans
The illness can escalate in humans to hemorrhagic fever and encephalitis, conditions that may prove fatal.
Economic Consequences
The virus causes significant economic damage to farming communities due to livestock deaths and abortions.
Prevention and Vaccination
Although vaccines exist for animals, no vaccine has yet been authorized for human use.
"An outbreak of Rift Valley Fever in Mauritania and Senegal killed 42 people and infected more than 400 between September 20 and October 30, the World Health Organization said on Wednesday."
"Rift Valley Fever is a mosquito-borne virus that primarily affects animals. However it can also be directly transmitted to humans through the airborne bodily fluids of infected animals."
"In the most severe human infections, the disease can progress to hemorrhagic fever and encephalitis, and lead to death."
"Rift Valley Fever also has a significant economic impact on agricultural communities due to death and abortion among infected livestock."
Author's summary: Rift Valley Fever caused 42 deaths and hundreds of infections in Mauritania and Senegal, affecting both human health and livestock economy, with no human vaccine yet available.