Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a dangerous disease found among both humans and domesticated livestock. With the ability to be transmitted through mosquito bites as well as through contact with infected livestock and contaminated meats and fluids, RVF can quickly affect large numbers of people and animals, especially in wet environments, such as after heavy rainfall or flooding.
The majority of infections in humans is characterized by a mild to moderate illness, though cases can be more severe, with symptoms ranging from joint and muscle pain, blindness, liver and neurological damage, and hemorrhagic fever. Approximately 30-50% of these cases can be fatal.
Cattle, livestock, and other domesticated animals are affected most severely. RVF outbreaks are generally indicated by large numbers of mortality among pregnant and young animals. Infections during pregnancy can lead to something called “abortion storms,” with nearly 90% of pregnant animals experiencing spontaneous loss or developmental abnormalities.
Rural Africa can be especially impacted through RVF and abortion storms, as in some areas nearly 30% of households may depend on livestock. In these areas, RVF outbreaks can decimate family livelihood through human health impacts, large-scale livestock loss, as well as disruption to food products and income.
Fortunately, a large-scale collaborative vaccine trial for humans and animals is underway among researchers with UC-Davis, Colorado State University, and our own Division of Infectious Diseases at the Department of Pediatrics of the University of Pittsburgh. Our Pitt Pediatrics researchers, led by Anita McElroy, MD, PhD, will be contributing immunological assays as part of the ongoing effort.
Read the full story about the vaccine trial on UC-Davis’ website here.