Uganda: Rift Valley Fever (RVF) outbreak reported in 3 districts
According to a World Health Organization (WHO), three districts are currently experiencing Rift Valley Fever outbreak (RVF)- Ntungamo (five cases, four confirmed and one death) since 23 February 2024, Mbarara (10 cases, five confirmed and one death) since 10 March 2024 and Sheema (two confirmed cases) since 27 March 2024.
Cumulatively, 17 cases, 11 confirmed and two deaths (CFR12%) are reported as of 12 May 2024.
Rift Valley Fever is mosquito-borne virus that is endemic in parts of Africa. It primarily infects animals like sheep, cattle and goats and it can have an economic impact on a community due to the loss of livestock.
Humans get infected through contact with infected animal blood or organs. Butchering and slaughtering of animals is a primary cause of transmission to humans. Certain occupations are at a higher risk of getting Rift Valley Fever like farmers, herders and veterinarians.
It can also be transmitted to humans through mosquito bites and the bites of blood-sucking flies.
Most cases of Rift Valley Fever are mild and symptoms include fever, headaches and muscle pain. However, a small percentage of people can get serious disease which includes retinitis, encephalitis and a hemorrhagic fever. Fatalities happen in less than 1 percent of those infected.