Mayotte: Rift Valley Fever outbreak ongoing as of February 22

Event

An outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is ongoing throughout Mayotte as of Friday, February 22. Since the start of the outbreak in November 2018, health officials have confirmed at least 63 cases of the disease. The number of cases significantly increased in early February, when the Mayotte Hospital Center to the Indian Ocean Regional Health Authority (ARS) reported on February 6 that the number of human cases had risen from 19 to 31 in one week. Veterinarians have also confirmed 33 animal cases of the disease. Further spread of RVF is possible in the near term.

Context

Rift Valley Fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever that is generally contracted via contact with the carcasses of infected animals, but can also be transmitted through ticks and biting midges. Symptoms generally include hemorrhagic fever, headaches, and muscle pains, while more severe symptoms include loss of sight and brain inflammation, which can cause seizures and headaches. Fatalities occur in less than 1 percent of infected individuals.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to be extremely vigilant and to take measures to protect themselves from insect bites (e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito-netting or in an air-conditioned room). Those present in affected areas should also avoid all contact with farm animals. Individuals exhibiting any of the above symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.