Rift Valley fever update: 101 human cases in Mayotte

In a follow-up on the Rift Valley fever (RVF) outbreak on the archipelago of Mayotte, the Agence de Sante Ocean Indian reports (computer translated) the circulation of RVF continues as the human case count has risen to 101.

Of those who could be interviewed, almost 80% report having been in contact with animals.

Since the beginning of the health alert, human cases are mainly located in the center and north-west of the island, with nearly 60% of cases in Chiconi and Tsingoni.

In addition, samples taken by veterinarians on sick animals or during abortions led to the identification of 8 new outbreaks this week, for a total of 60 outbreaks of sick animals (including 49 cattle) . Animal foci are mainly located in the center and north-west of the island.

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.

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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.

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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.

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