Rift Valley Fever in Senegal
Key points
- There is an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in northern Senegal.
- RVF can spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes and by direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or organs of infected animals. There is currently no evidence of known person to person transmission of RVF.
- You can protect yourself from RVF by preventing mosquito bites, avoiding contact with cattle and livestock, and by handling, eating, and drinking animal products safely.
- Higher rates of this disease are seen after excessive rainfall and flooding.
- Watch your health during and after travel for symptoms of RVF. Seek medical care if you develop fever, weakness, back pain, dizziness, blurred and decreased vision, or sores on the eyes.
Traveler Information
Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever that causes illness in livestock (such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels) and people.
RVF spreads mainly by direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or organs of infected animals or through bites of infected mosquitos. RVF is not known to spread from person to person.
Most people with RVF have no symptoms or a mild illness with fever, weakness, back pain, and dizziness. Sudden onset of symptoms usually occurs two to six days after exposure to RVF virus. Less than 2% of people infected with RVF will develop severe symptoms, which can include eye disease, hemorrhage (excessive bleeding), and encephalitis (swelling of the brain).
Most people recover within one week, with treatment limited to supportive care. While mortality is higher in severe cases, only about 1% of people who get RVF die.