Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a haemorrhagic fever agent caused by an infection with an enveloped negative-stranded RNA Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). It belongs to the genus Phlebovirus in the family Bunyaviridae. The virus is spread by infected mosquitoes and affects ruminants and humans, causing high numbers of neonatal fatalities in animals and occasional fatalities in humans. It is endemic to parts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, but is described as an emerging virus due to the wide range of mosquitoes that could spread the disease into non-endemic areas, posing serious health and agricultural problems. The disease can be prevented by vaccination, but there is currently no Food and Drug Administration-approved RVFV vaccine that can be used outside endemic areas, while there are two live attenuated vaccines available for use in endemic areas. These vaccines have the potential for reversion, and are therefore not recommended for use in countries where RVFV is not endemic. This indicates ...

Author Summary Rift Valley fever, caused by a member of the Bunyaviridae family, has spread during recent years to most sub-Saharan African countries, in Egypt and in the Arabian peninsula. The virus can be transmitted by insect vectors or by direct contacts with infectious tissues. The analysis of virus replication and dissemination in laboratory animals has been hampered by the need to euthanize sufficient numbers of animals and to assay appropriate organs at various time points after infection to evaluate the viral replication. By following the bioluminescence and fluorescence of Rift Valley fever viruses expressing light reporters, we were able to track the real-time dissemination of the viruses in live immunodeficient mice. We showed that the first infected organs were the thymus, spleen and liver, but the liver rapidly became the main location of viral replication. Phagocytes also appeared as important targets, and their systemic depletion by use of clodronate liposomes decreased the number of

The zoonotic Rift Valley fever virus affects livestock and humans in Africa and on the Arabian Peninsula.The economic impact of this pathogen due to livestock losses, as well as its relevance to public health,underscores the importance of developing effective and easily distributed vaccines. Vaccines that can bedelivered orally are of particular interest.. Here, we report the expression in transformed plants (Arabidopsis thaliana) of Rift Valley fever virusantigens. The antigens used in this study were the N protein and a deletion mutant of the Gn glycoprotein.Transformed lines were analysed for specific mRNA and protein content by RT-PCR and Westernblotting, respectively. Furthermore, the plant-expressed antigens were evaluated for their immunogenicityin mice fed the transgenic plants. After oral intake of fresh transgenic plant material, a proportionof the mice elicited specific IgG antibody responses, as compared to the control animals that were fedwild-type plants and of which none ...

Explore our range of mammalian expressed recombinant Rift Valley Fever virus antigens, supporting all of your research and assay development needs.

In early 2014, abortions and death of ruminants were reported on farms in Maputo and Gaza Provinces, Mozambique. Serologic analysis and quantitative and conventional reverse transcription PCR confirmed the presence of Rift Valley fever virus. The viruses belonged to lineage C, which is prevalent among Rift Valley fever viruses in southern Africa ...

Rift Valley fever virus is a serious emerging pathogen of animals and humans. Its main virulence factor, NSs, enables unhindered virus replication by suppressing the antiviral innate immune system. We identified the E3 ubiquitin ligase FBXO3 as a novel host cell interactor of NSs. NSs recruits FBXO3 …

Using next-generation sequencing technologies, the first complete genome sequence of Rift Valley fever virus strain Lunyo is reported here. Originally reported as an attenuated antigenic variant strain from Uganda, genomic sequence analysis shows that Lunyo clusters together with other Ugandan isolates.. ...

Few studies have investigated the many mosquito species that harbor arboviruses in Kenya. During the 2006-2007 Rift Valley fever outbreak in North Eastern Province, Kenya, exophilic mosquitoes were collected from homesteads within 2 affected areas: Gumarey (rural) and Sogan-Godud (urban). Mosquitoes (n = 920) were pooled by trap location and tested for Rift Valley fever virus and West Nile virus. The most common mosquitoes trapped belonged to the genus Culex (75%). Of 105 mosquito pools tested, 22% were positive for Rift Valley fever virus, 18% were positive for West Nile virus, and 3% were positive for both. Estimated mosquito minimum infection rates did not differ between locations. Our data demonstrate the local abundance of mosquitoes that could propagate arboviral infections in Kenya and the high prevalence of vector arbovirus positivity during a Rift Valley fever outbreak.

Few studies have investigated the many mosquito species that harbor arboviruses in Kenya. During the 2006-2007 Rift Valley fever outbreak in North Eastern Province, Kenya, exophilic mosquitoes were collected from homesteads within 2 affected areas: Gumarey (rural) and Sogan-Godud (urban). Mosquitoes (n = 920) were pooled by trap location and tested for Rift Valley fever virus and West Nile virus. The most common mosquitoes trapped belonged to the genus Culex (75%). Of 105 mosquito pools tested, 22% were positive for Rift Valley fever virus, 18% were positive for West Nile virus, and 3% were positive for both. Estimated mosquito minimum infection rates did not differ between locations. Our data demonstrate the local abundance of mosquitoes that could propagate arboviral infections in Kenya and the high prevalence of vector arbovirus positivity during a Rift Valley fever outbreak.

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an acute, zoonotic viral disease, caused by a Phlebovirus belonging to the Bunyaviridae family. RVF virus (RVFV) historically has been responsible for large explosive outbreaks of severe human and animal disease throughout Africa and recently in the Arabian Peninsula. In animals, it mainly affects domestic ruminants such as sheep, goats and cattle. RVFV outbreaks among livestock are economically devastating and often characterized by large sweeping abortion storms and significant mortality in adult livestock. This study was conducted to investigate RVF infection in Kigoma region. Regional wide serosurvey and conventional gel based single tube RT-PCR were conducted in Kigoma region on non- vaccinated small ruminants (sheep and goats). The study included 411 animals (32 sheep and 379 goats) sampled in 3 districts namely; Kigoma rural, Kasulu and Kibondo. Sera of animals were tested for the detection of immunoglobulins G (IgG) against RVFV using commercial enzyme-linked ...

The ubiquity and importance of parasite co-infections in populations of free-living animals is beginning to be recognized, but few studies have demonstrated differential fitness effects of single infection versus co-infection in free-living populations. We investigated interactions between the emerging bacterial disease bovine tuberculosis (BTB) and the previously existing viral disease Rift Valley fever (RVF) in a competent reservoir host, African buffalo, combining data from a natural outbreak of RVF in captive buffalo at a buffalo breeding facility in 2008 with data collected from a neighbouring free-living herd of African buffalo in Kruger National Park. RVF infection was twice as likely in individual BTB+ buffalo as in BTB− buffalo, which, according to a mathematical model, may increase RVF outbreak size at the population level. In addition, co-infection was associated with a far higher rate of fetal abortion than other infection states. Immune interactions between BTB and RVF may ...

Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus is a bunyavirus that was first isolated from sheep in Kenya in 1930. The spread of RVF has serious economic consequences in Africa. The virus also causes severe disease in humans who come into contact with contaminated animals or who are bitten by infected mosquitoes, resulting in severe encephalitis and hemorrhagic fever that can prove fatal. RVF therefore also represents a significant public health threat. In 2000, the virus spread outside the African continent to Saudi Arabia and Yemen. There are concerns that it may also extend to Asia and Europe.. RVF virus spreads in its host by fusing with cell membranes so that it can proliferate and infect other cells. Scientists in the Structural Virology Unit (Institut Pasteur/CNRS) directed by Félix Rey, in collaboration with the University of Göttingen, characterized the mechanism used by the virus to insert one of its surface proteins into the host cell membrane and drive fusion. They also determined the atomic ...

The presence of significant levels of anti-RVFV IgG antibody against RVFV in the districts studied indicates that the virus could be circulating during this IEP. The vaccine against RVFV had not been used in any of the districts during a period of at least four years prior to this study. In most locations, RVFV antibodies were detected in animals aged less than one year (sub-adults) and over one year (adults). This showed endemic presence of the virus in different parts of the region. Olaleye et al. (1996), in Nigeria, observed similar results.. The Kigoma rural district recorded higher seroprevalence (12.0%) compared to 2.3% and 0.8% in the Kibondo and Kasulu districts, respectively (p , 0.0001). Similar results were reported in Senegal in 1994, with an RVFV IgG prevalence of 40.0% (n = 40) and IgM of 12.5%, 10 years after RVFV (Thonnon et al. 1999). Species wise, sheep had a higher seroprevalence of 12.5% compared to goats, with 4.7%. This has been observed in several other studies (Olaleye et ...

Researchers at the Universities of St Andrews and Glasgow have made a significant step forward in tackling a viral disease which causes frequent epidemics in Africa and could spread to Europe due to global warming.

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In this work, we evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of recombinant plasmid DNA and modified vaccinia virus Ankara (rMVA) vectored vaccines against Rift Valley fever in mice. These recombinant vaccines encoded either of two components of the Rift Valley fever virus: the viral glycoproteins (Gn/Gc) or the nucleoprotein (N). Following lethal challenge with live RVFV, mice immunized with a single dose of the rMVA-Gn/Gc vaccine showed no viraemia or clinical manifestation of disease, but mounted RVFV neutralizing antibodies and glycoprotein specific CD8+ T-cell responses. Neither DNA-Gn/Gc alone nor a heterologous prime-boost immunization schedule (DNA-Gn/Gc followed by rMVAGn/Gc) was better than the single rMVA-Gn/Gc immunization schedule with regards to protective efficacy. However, the rMVA-Gn/Gc vaccine failed to protect IFNAR−/− mice upon lethal RVFV challenge suggesting a role for innate responses in protection against RVFV. Despite induction of high titer antibodies ...

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) has been expanding its geographical distribution with important implications for both human and animal health. The emergence of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in the Middle East, and its continuing ...

Contact: Dr Mirinda van Kleef. Biosafety Level 3 is applicable when diagnostic or research work is performed with zoonotic pathogens that may be harmful to humans or for which there is a strict requirement for containment. The BSL 3 laboratory is certified by DAFF and contains all the necessary equipment to protect both researchers and the environment against exposure to pathogens like avian influenza and Rift Valley fever viruses and the prion that causes BSE that might be contained in diagnostic samples.. The OVR BSL3 containment facility is designed with special engineering features focusing on the biosafety considerations for a BSL3 facility. Biosafety Level 3 is applicable to clinical, diagnostic, teaching, research, or production facilities in which work is done with pathogens which may cause serious or potentially lethal disease in humans or animals because of exposure through contaminative contact or inhalation. Working with BSL3 pathogens (avian influenza, rift valley fever, etc.) ...

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) causes severe disease in humans and ungulates. The virus can be transmitted by mosquitoes, direct contact with infected tissues or fluids, or aerosol, making it a significant biological threat for which there is no approved vaccine or therapeutic. Herein we describe the evaluation of DEF201, an adenovirus-vectored interferon alpha which addresses the limitations of recombinant interferon alpha protein (cost, short half-life), as a pre- and post-exposure treatment in a lethal hamster RVFV challenge model. DEF201 was delivered intranasally to stimulate mucosal immunity and effectively bypass any pre-existing immunity to the vector. Complete protection against RVFV infection was observed from a single dose of DEF201 administered one or seven days prior to challenge while all control animals succumbed within three days of infection. Efficacy of treatment administered two weeks prior to challenge was limited. Post‑exposure, DEF201 was able to confer significant protection

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) causes severe disease in humans and ungulates. The virus can be transmitted by mosquitoes, direct contact with infected tissues or fluids, or aerosol, making it a significant biological threat for which there is no approved vaccine or therapeutic. Herein we describe the evaluation of DEF201, an adenovirus-vectored interferon alpha which addresses the limitations of recombinant interferon alpha protein (cost, short half-life), as a pre- and post-exposure treatment in a lethal hamster RVFV challenge model. DEF201 was delivered intranasally to stimulate mucosal immunity and effectively bypass any pre-existing immunity to the vector. Complete protection against RVFV infection was observed from a single dose of DEF201 administered one or seven days prior to challenge while all control animals succumbed within three days of infection. Efficacy of treatment administered two weeks prior to challenge was limited. Post‑exposure, DEF201 was able to confer significant protection

A total of 2224 mosquitoes were collected including Culex spp (n = 1123), Anopheles spp (n=1006), Mansonia spp (n=56), Aedes spp (n=34), and Coquillettidia spp (n=5) with significant variation in abundance with percentage difference in normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI). No RVFV infections were detected in any of the mosquitoes collected. RVFV seroprevalence was higher in cattle 4.4% (95% CI:3.7-5.1), than in sheep 2.6%, (95% CI: 2.0-3.3) and goats 1.4% (95%CI: 1.0-1.8), with seropositivity in young animals providing evidence of recent virus circulation. Seropositivity in livestock increased with age (OR=1.3, CI: 1.2 - 1.4, p,0.001) consistent with endemic circulation and was associated with a history of abortion in goats (OR=2.5, 95%CI: 1.1 - 5.4, P=0.023) and sheep (OR=2.7, 95%CI: 1.1 - 6.3, P=0.025). Human seroprevalence was 8.5% (95% CI: 6.4 - 11.2) and varied between villages and between households within villages. Handling of aborted material (OR=4.3, 95% CI: 1.7-10.8) and ...

Abstract. Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne infection of livestock and human which causes a potentially severe disease. In 2008-2009, a RVF outbreak occurred in a temperate and mountainous area located on the highlands of Madagascar. A three-year cattle follow-up (2009-2011) was conducted in a pilot area of this highland. A seroprevalence rate of 28% was estimated in 2009 and a seroconversion rate of 7% in 2009-2010. A third cross-sectional survey showed a seroconversion rate of 14% in 2010-2011. In 2011 the longitudinal study suggested a RVFV circulation during the year. In this area where vectors density is low and cattle exchanges are linked to the virus local spread, we raise hypotheses that may explain the local persistence of the virus.

BACKGROUND Discovery of RVFV and recent major epidemic/epizootics RVFV was first isolated in 1930 near lake Naivasha in Kenya by Daubney et al. (1931). Since then, the virus has been shown to be widespread in Subsaharian Africa and in Egypt (Meegan & Bailey 1989). Major epidemic/epizootics occurred in Egypt in 1977 (200,000 humans infections and 600 deaths) and in 1993, Mauritania in 1987 (200 human deaths), Madagascar in 1991 and in eastern Africa (89,000 infections and more than 500 deaths reported so far) with the past recent outbreak in 1997-1998 in Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia. The etiological agent of RVF RVFV is a member of Bunyaviridae family, Phlebovirus genus (Murphy et al. 1995). Its genome consists in three negative single stranded RNA segments referred as L, M and S respectively for large, medium and small. The L segment codes for the L protein which is the polymerase. The M segment codes for glycoproteins G1 and G2 and two others proteins of 78 and 14 K. The S segment codes for the ...

Abstract Immediately before deployment (Fall 2012) and after deployment (Spring 2013) in support of United Nations peacekeeping operations, Mongolian Armed Forces medical personnel obtained serum samples from the first contingent of Mongolian peacekeepers deploying to South Sudan to monitor serologic evidence of exposure to diseases that cause acute febrile illness. A total of 632 paired samples were tested for IgG antibody for the following (number of seroconversions in parentheses): Rickettsia (spotted fever and typhus groups) (25), West Nile fever virus (WNV) (23), Coxiella burnetii (causative agent of Q fever) (12), dengue virus (8), leptospirosis (6), chikungunya virus (0), Congo-Crimean hemorrhagic fever virus (0), Japanese encephalitis virus (0), and Rift Valley fever virus (0). There was also evidence of exposure to WNV, C. burnetii, leptospirosis, and Rickettsia before deployment.

Globally, arthropod-borne virus infections are increasingly common causes of severe febrile disease that can progress to long-term physical or cognitive impairment or result in early death. Because of the large populations at risk, it has been suggested that these outcomes represent a substantial health deficit not captured by current global disease burden assessments. We reviewed newly available data on disease incidence and outcomes to critically evaluate the disease burden (as measured by disability-adjusted life years, or DALYs) caused by yellow fever virus (YFV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). We searched available literature and official reports on these viruses combined with the terms outbreak(s), complication(s), disability, quality of life, DALY, and QALY, focusing on reports since 2000. We screened 210 published studies, with 38 selected for inclusion. Data on average incidence, duration, age at onset, mortality,

BACKGROUND: Many zoonotic infectious diseases have emerged and re-emerged over the last two decades. There has been a significant increase in vector-borne diseases due to climate variations that lead to environmental changes favoring the development and adaptation of vectors. This study was carried out to improve knowledge of the ecology of mosquito vectors involved in the transmission of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) in Senegal. METHODS: An entomological survey was conducted in three Senegalese agro-systems, Senegal River Delta (SRD), Senegal River Valley (SRV) and Ferlo, during the rainy season (July to November) of 2014 and 2015 ...

The overall aim of this scientific report is the assessment of the probability of entry of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) into the European Union (EU) through active or passive movement of vectors. Two different import pathways were considered in this rep .... ...

The overall aim of this scientific report is the assessment of the probability of entry of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) into the European Union (EU) through active or passive movement of vectors. Two different import pathways were considered in this rep .... ...

This study investigated volatiles released from the feet and trunk of human volunteers and isolated predominantly aldehydes and carboxylic acids as the electrophysiologically-active components using antennae of Ae. aegypti. Electrophysiological activity for some of these aldehydes and carboxylic acids from human skin odors have previously been reported for various mosquito species. For example octanal and nonanal, identified from the human feet, trunk and armpit were reported to elicit electrophysiological response in antennae of Ae. aegypti [22,23] and Aedes mcintoshi [24], a major vector of Rift Valley fever virus, and Culex quinquefasciatus [25], the major vector of West Nile virus in bird headspace volatiles, respectively. Carboxylic acids were reported to elicit EAG responses in Ae. aegypti [22,23], An. gambiae [26] and Cx. quinquefasciatus [27]. These findings emphasize the importance of aldehydes and carboxylic acids in host seeking behavior of Ae. aegypti. Both aldehydes and carboxylic ...

Tan,M.H., Li,Q., Shanmugam,R., Piskol,R., Kohler, J., et al. (2017) Dynamic landscape and regulation of RNA editing in mammals. Nature 550(7675):249-254. Ma, D, George C.X., Nomburg, J., Pfaller, C.K., Cattaneo, R., and Samuel, C.E. (2017). Upon infection the cellular WD repeat-containing protein 5 localizes to cytoplasmic inclusion bodies and enhances measles virus replication. J. Virol.: in press. George, C.X., Ramaswami, G., Li, J.B., Samuel, C.E. (2016) Editing of cellular self-RNAs by adenosine deaminase ADAR1 suppresses innate immune stress responses. J Biol Chem. 291:6158-68. Kainulainen, M., Lau, S., Samuel, C.E., Hornung, V., Weber, F. (2016) NSs virulence factor of Rift Valley Fever Virus engages the F-box proteins FBXW11 and β-TRCP1 to degrade the antiviral protein kinase PKR. J Virol. 90:6140-6147. George, C. X., Samuel, C. E. (2015) STAT2-dependent induction of RNA adenosine deaminse ADAR1 by type 1 interferon differs between mouse and human cells in the requirement for STAT1. ...

Lafuente EM*, Niedergang F*, Rosales C*. Editorial: Phagocytosis: Molecular Mechanisms and Physiological Implications. Front Immunol. (2020) 11:586918. (* co-corr authors). Bamia A, Marcato V, Boissière M, Mansuroglu Z, Tamietti C, Romani M, Simon D, Tian G, Niedergang F, Panthier JJ, Flamand M, Souès S, Bonnefoy E. The NSs Protein Encoded by the Virulent Strain of Rift Valley Fever Virus Targets the Expression of Abl2 and the Actin Cytoskeleton of the Host, Affecting Cell Mobility, Cell Shape, and Cell-Cell Adhesion. J Virol. (2020) 95:e01768-20.. Al-Mukh H, Baudoin L, Bouaboud A, Sanchez-Salgado JL, Maraqa N, Khair M, Pagesy P, Bismuth G, Niedergang F, Issad T. Lipopolysaccharide Induces GFAT2 Expression to Promote O-Linke b-N-Acetylglucosaminylation and Attenuate Inflammation in Macrophages. The Journal of Immunology (2020) 205:2499-2510.. El-Barbry, H., Capitao, M., Barrin, S., Amziani, S., Pierre-Paul, P., Borreill, S., Guilbert, T., Donnadieu, E., Niedergang, F*, and Ouaaz, F*. ...

Current Research and Scholarly InterestsArthropod-borne viruses are emerging and re-emerging infections that are spreading throughout the world. Our laboratory investigates the epidemiology of arboviral infections, focusing on the burden of disease and the long-term complications on human health. In particular, Dr. LaBeaud investigates dengue, chikungunya, and Rift Valley fever viruses in Kenya, where outbreaks cause fever, arthritis, retinitis, encephalitis, and hemorrhagic fever. Our main research questions focus on the risk factors for arboviral infections, the development of diagnostic tests that can be administered in the field to quickly determine what kind of arboviral infection a person has, and the genetic and immunologic investigation of why different people respond differently to the same infection. Our long-term goals are to contribute to a deeper understanding of arboviral infections and their long-term health consequences and to optimize control strategies to prevent these emerging ...

Current Research and Scholarly InterestsArthropod-borne viruses are emerging and re-emerging infections that are spreading throughout the world. Our laboratory investigates the epidemiology of arboviral infections, focusing on the burden of disease and the long-term complications on human health. In particular, Dr. LaBeaud investigates dengue, chikungunya, and Rift Valley fever viruses in Kenya, where outbreaks cause fever, arthritis, retinitis, encephalitis, and hemorrhagic fever. Our main research questions focus on the risk factors for arboviral infections, the development of diagnostic tests that can be administered in the field to quickly determine what kind of arboviral infection a person has, and the genetic and immunologic investigation of why different people respond differently to the same infection. Our long-term goals are to contribute to a deeper understanding of arboviral infections and their long-term health consequences and to optimize control strategies to prevent these emerging ...

Curcumin, the main compound in the spice turmeric, prevents replication of mosquito-borne Rift Valley Fever virus in infected cells, report researchers.

Inaia Phoenix, Ph.D. is a teaching fellow of Microbiology and Immunology at Marian University School of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Phoenix earned a B.S. in zoology from Southeastern Oklahoma University in Durant, OK. Then, she earned her Ph.D. in Experimental Pathology at the University of Texas - Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, TX. Her dissertation project focused on vaccine development for Rift Valley fever virus, a zoonotic pathogen endemic to Africa and Select Agent. Dr. Phoenix researched the adaptive immune response to Vaccinia virus, the virus used to vaccinate against smallpox, during her post-doctoral training at The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC.. Dr. Phoenixs extensive background includes a diverse repertoire of sciences including microbiology, immunology, genetics, zoology, conservation, and veterinary medicine. While working as the Public Outreach Intern for the United States Fish & Wildlife Service and Science, she was responsible for ...

Spray deposition technique for microneedle fabrication had been investigated as a potential way to fabricate polymer microneedles under mild processing conditions. The spray process generates fine droplets from a bulk solution with the assistance of pressurized gas. Water-soluble polymers, including polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), have been used for microneedle fabrication. A PVA microneedle encapsulating FITC-BSA at the tip portion was formed by spraying BSA-PVA aqueous solution into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mold and showed reliable insertion into pig cadaver skin. The PVA microneedles were dissolved within 5 min after insertion and released FITC-BSA in the skin. Our results demonstrate that the spray deposition process is capable of forming mechanically stable, drug-containing microneedles. This system will be adapted to generation of Rift Valley Fever virus Gn protein and tested for stability. The end product will be tested in mice ...

TY - JOUR. T1 - Rift valley fever infection of rhesus monkeys. T2 - Implications for rapid diagnosis of human disease. AU - Morrill, J. C.. AU - Knauert, F. K.. AU - Ksiazek, Thomas. AU - Meegan, J. M.. AU - Peters, C. J.. PY - 1989. Y1 - 1989. N2 - Rhesus monkeys inoculated with Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus provide a model in which serial observations of serum viral antigen and antibodies can be made. In 9 non-fatal and 3 fatal infections, either antigen or IgM enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antibodies were detected in every serum sample during the acute phase. Furthermore, viral nucleic acid could be detected by filter hybridization in most samples taken on days 1 to 3. Circulation of significant quantities of viral RNA provides an additional approach to the diagnosis and study of RVF.. AB - Rhesus monkeys inoculated with Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus provide a model in which serial observations of serum viral antigen and antibodies can be made. In 9 non-fatal and 3 fatal ...

For some time, Vidyya had been following reports of Rift Valley Fever in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. According to WHO, there have been at least 291 cases and 64 deaths from the disease confirmed in the vicinity of Yemen and Saudi Arabia. We first reported on the epidemic in Vidyya Issue 161 and in issue 167. Since those reports, the World Health Organization (WHO) has appealed for $975,000 from the US to support international efforts to control and prevent Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in Yemen. In todays newspapers, there are reports that the UN health agency fears that Rift Valley Fever may continue spreading into Asia and eventually reach Europe. According to the Associated Press, but not confirmed by WHO, as many as 182 people already have died in Saudi Arabia and Yemen, although a precise total is difficult to determine. The fever has crossed the Red Sea, and there is the danger, not in the next few weeks or the next few months, but in the long run the danger of the extension of this disease into ...

During the period of 2009-2011, a series of Rift Valley fever (RVF) outbreaks occurred in South Africa and neighboring countries. The visualization featured on this page showcases the relationship between El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) induced anomalous vegetation and Rift Valley fever outbreaks in the region of South Africa. ENSO is an irregularly recurring climate pattern characterized by warmer (El Niño) and colder (La Niña) than usual ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific, which creates a ripple effect of anticipated weather changes in far-spread regions of our planet. Weather changes associated with the ENSO phenomenon result in climate anomalies related to each other, such as rainfall, and vegetation anomaly conditions that trigger outbreaks of infectious diseases of public health concern in different regions around the world. These distant weather effects are called teleconnections. Therefore, the effects of ENSO are called ENSO teleconnections, highlighting that warmer or

The case, the first of its kind reported in China, is reported in a 45-year-old man from Henan province in Central Chinas Yellow River Valley who returned from Angola. He presented with fever, headache, joint and muscle pain last week.. On July 21, he returned to Beijing and was hospitalized in quarantine and began treatment. He was diagnosed positive for RVF virus yesterday. He is currently in critical condition.. Rift Valley Fever is mosquito-borne virus that is endemic in parts of Africa including South 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 ...

Not everyone needs to be tested or treated for Valley fever. Some people might not even know they have Valley fever because theyve never had symptoms. People who do get sick with Valley fever may have symptoms like cough, fever, difficulty breathing, and fatigue that go away without any treatment. If you have symptoms of Valley fever that last longer than a week, talk to a doctor or healthcare provider.. There are no over-the-counter medications to treat Valley fever. Since Valley fever symptoms are like those of other common illnesses, a doctor may order different tests (such as a blood test or chest x-ray) to help determine if you have Valley fever. If you are diagnosed with Valley fever, your doctor will determine if you need treatment or not.. There are medications to treat Valley fever called antifungals, but not everyone needs them. Some people may need to take antifungal medication for months or even years if they have severe disease or certain health conditions that weaken the immune ...

During the period of 2009-2011, a series of Rift Valley fever (RVF) outbreaks occurred in South Africa and neighboring countries. The visualization featured on this page showcases the relationship between El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) induced anomalous rainfall and RVF outbreaks in the region of South Africa. ENSO is an irregularly recurring climate pattern characterized by warmer (El Niño) and colder (La Niña) than usual ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific, which creates a ripple effect of anticipated weather changes in far-spread regions of Earth. Weather changes associated with the ENSO phenomenon result in climate anomalies related to each other, such as rainfall, and vegetation anomaly conditions that trigger outbreaks of infectious diseases of public health concern in different regions around the world. These distant weather effects are called teleconnections. Therefore, the effects of ENSO are called ENSO teleconnections, highlighting that warmer or colder than usual ocean

The East African rift has two branches, the Western Rift Valley and the Eastern Rift Valley.. The Western Rift, also called the Albertine Rift, is bordered by some of the highest mountains in Africa, including the Virunga Mountains, Mitumba Mountains, and Ruwenzori Range. It contains the Rift Valley lakes, which include some of the deepest lakes in the world (up to 1,470 metres (4,820 ft) deep at Lake Tanganyika).. Much of this area lies within the boundaries of national parks such as Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwenzori National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Lake Victoria is considered to be part of the rift valley system although it actually lies between the two branches. All of the African Great Lakes were formed as the result of the rift, and most lie within its rift valley.. In Kenya, the valley is deepest to the north of Nairobi. As the lakes in the Eastern Rift have no outlet to the sea and tend to ...

TY - JOUR. T1 - A systematic review of Rift Valley fever epidemiology 1931-2014. AU - Nanyingi, Mark. AU - Munyua, Peninah. AU - Kiama, Stephen G.. AU - Muchemi, Gerald M.. AU - Mwangi, Samuel. AU - Bitek, Austine O. AU - Bett, Bernard. AU - Muriithi, Rees. AU - Njenga, Kariuki. PY - 2015/7/31. Y1 - 2015/7/31. N2 - BackgroundRift Valley Fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne viral zoonosis that was first isolated and characterized in 1931 in Kenya. RVF outbreaks have resulted in significant losses through human illness and deaths, high livestock abortions and deaths. This report provides an overview on epidemiology of RVF including ecology, molecular diversity spatiotemporal analysis, and predictive risk modeling.MethodologyUsing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically searched for relevant RVF publications in repositories of the World Health Organization Library and Information Networks for Knowledge (WHOLIS), U.S Centers for ...

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a viral zoonotic insect-borne disease of livestock and human beings caused by a member of the Phlebovirus genus of the family Bunyaviridae. Being first recognised in the Rift Valley of Kenya at the turn of 20th century, several epidemics have occurred in eastern, southern, and northern Africa becoming a continental problem. The epidemics that occurred in Egypt in 1977-78 and current human and animal cases in Yemen and Saudi Arabia (first case out of Africa) indicated the potential for spread to other inter-tropical regions of the world outside the African continent. An embargo on livestock export by Gulf countries has brought in food insecurity in the East African countries due to indirect socio-economic mechanisms and impact of ban on pastoralists household economy. Food insecurity in the Horn of Africa is a longstanding problem while the recent ban was imposed on eight countries before recovering from the recent drought of 2000. Between September and December 2000, a ...

Introduction. Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an economically important, emerging arthropod-borne viral disease of both livestock and man. The disease was first identified in 1931 following sudden death of lambs and ewes on a single farm along the shores of Lake Naivasha in the greater Rift Valley of Kenya (Daubney et al. 1931, reviewed in Pepin et al. 2010). The importance of the disease lies in its public health impact and the economic losses resulting from the cessation of trade in livestock and livestock related products. This has been shown by the prolonged import bans from countries in the Horn of Africa where RVF has been registered, causing great hardship to the livestock trade based communities.. In Zambia, RVF was first reported in 1974 during an epizootic of cattle and sheep that occurred in Chisamba (Central Province) and Mazabuka (Southern Province) districts and some parts of Copperbelt Province (Hussuein et al. 1987). Human death due to RVF disease in Chisamba was also previously ...

Research evidence shows 111,717 reported cases in the US between 1998 - 2011. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates about 150,000 cases of valley fever go unreported each year due to lack of awareness. California Department of Public Health reported 4,094 valley fever cases in California in 2012. Over 75% of valley fever cases from California come from the people who live in the Central Valley. Just recently, 3,000 prisoners in San Joaquin Valley had to be transferred due to risk of valley fever after some other inmates contracted the disease, indicating the possibility of the fungus harboring close to the jail.There are certain current behaviors in the Central Valley that have led to the valley fever becoming such a big problem. At the individual level, workers find it easy and a convenience to not use proper masks when working outside in areas with coccidioidomycosis (scientific name of valley fever) spores. At the organizational level, organizations like the United ...

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is an arthropod-borne disease endemic to much of Sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula causing abortion storms and high neonatal mortality in sheep, goats, and cattle and influenza-like to hemorrhagic illness in humans. RVF is transmitted by over 30 species of arthropods and can persist in the soil for decades in the trans-ovarially infected, desiccation resistant eggs of Aedine species of mosquitoes. Recent increases in the severity and frequency of RVF outbreaks within East Africa in addition to concern for the potential for RVF spread to new areas has prompted interest by several public health authorities in improving disease forecasting tools. This report describes factors of RVF ecology and epidemiology important to current disease forecasting efforts and gives recommendations for the spatial and temporal refinement of extant modelling efforts ...

World Health Organization. (‎1978)‎. RIFT VALLEY FEVER = FIÈVRE DE LA VALLÉE DU RIFT. Weekly Epidemiological Record = Relevé épidémiologique hebdomadaire, 53 (‎01)‎, 7. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/221675 ...

The Dirt on Valley Fever. Beware when cleaning out that pack rats nest, racing through the desert on your ATV, digging for bones or otherwise playing around in Arizona soil, as Valley Fever comes from a fungus known as cocci, or coccidioidomycosis, that grows in dirt. The infection gets into the lungs when the fungus spores become airborne and we - or our pets - breathe it in.. The fungus cocci thrives in southern Arizona, with 80 percent of the 4 million people living in high-risk Valley Fever areas right here in Tucson and Phoenix.. Two-thirds of all Valley Fever cases are in Arizona, with Pima, Pinal and Maricopa counties hit so hard they are known as the Valley Fever Corridor.. Parts of New Mexico, Texas, Nevada and Utah are also a prime cocci zone, as is California, from whence came its discovery and name of San Joaquin Valley Fever.. Arizonas prime time to contact the disease is June and July, and then again in October and November.. Anyone who lives in or travels through Arizona or ...

Download this briefing (PDF). The costs of responding to outbreaks of transmissible and infectious diseases, especially zoonotic infections that can infect both animals and people, can be far greater than the cost of implementing measures to control or prevent problems in the first place.. This briefing summarises findings from a project aiming to enrich our understanding of possible policy responses to the threats from zoonotic diseases such as Rift Valley Fever (RVF). We have examined scientific and policy aspects of RVF, and taken account of both understandings and uncertainties. We analysed earlier work and then gathered the perspectives of a wide range of stakeholders, including pastoralist communities - both nomadic and settled - as well as national and local veterinary and public health officials, government policy-makers and members of relevant research communities.. There are many reasons why the perspectives of scientific experts on their own cannot be sufficient to decide RVF policy. ...

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is an emerging zoonotic arbovirus with a complex cycle of transmission that makes difficult the prediction of its expansion. Recent outbreaks outside Africa have led to rediscover the human disease but it remains poorly known. The wide spectrum of acute and delayed manifestations with potential unfavorable outcome much complicate the management of suspected cases and prediction of morbidity and mortality during an outbreak. We reviewed literature data on bio-clinical characteristics and treatments of RVF human illness. We identified gaps in the field and provided a practical algorithm to assist clinicians in the cases assessment, determination of setting of care and prolonged follow-up.

Nin Pratt, A.; Bonnet, P.; Jabbar, M.A.; Ehui, S.; Haan, C. de 2004. Benefits and costs of compliance of sanitary regulations in livestock markets: the case of Rift Valley fever in Ethiopia. Paper presented at the inaugural conference of the African Association of Agricultural Economists, Nairobi, Kenya, 6-9 December 2004, 22pp. Nairobi (Kenya): ...

Rift Valley Fever & Yellow Fever Symptom Checker: Possible causes include Viral Hemorrhagic Fever. Check the full list of possible causes and conditions now! Talk to our Chatbot to narrow down your search.

Introduction to Rift Valley Fever as a medical condition including symptoms, diagnosis, misdiagnosis, treatment, prevention, and prognosis.

Valley Fever is caused by the fungal spore coccidioides spp. endemic to arid and semi-arid geographical areas. Because these spores are carried by soil, any disruption to the ground creates a heightened risk of infection. While some individuals breathe in the spore with no repercussions, others fall ill from Valley Fever. Those affected most by Valley Fever are immunosuppressed patients; elderly individuals; pregnant females; and minority populations of African, Filipino, and Native American descent. Of the more than 150,000 individuals infected annually, roughly 50,000 warrant medical attention. Of those, nearly 600 cases have the infection spread from their lungs to other parts of their body. Ultimately, about 160 cases result in death. Reported cases of Valley Fever in the southwestern states of Arizona, California, Texas and New Mexico have skyrocketed in recent years; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics show that reported cases of Valley Fever have risen ...

Rift Valley fever trojan (RVFV) is an emerging biodefense pathogen that poses significant risks to human being and livestock health. during 2001C2003 and in 2004. These findings highlight the potential importance of wildlife as reservoirs for RVFV and Bay 60-7550 interepidemic RVFV transmission in perpetuating regional RVFV transmission risk. Intro Rift Valley fever disease (RVFV) causes intermittent epizootics and epidemics that result in massive deficits of livestock and significant human being morbidity and mortality within affected locations.1C3 Consequent animal export embargoes create significant economic hardship for affected Itga10 community ranchers and pastoralist communities. Because of the ability of RVFV to infect many vector and animal varieties, and the likelihood of its regional persistence once launched, it is essential to learn more about how RVFV is pass on and persists within its transmitting areas. Rift Valley fever trojan is sent to pets and human beings through blood ...

All subjects: 1.0-mL (SQ)doses on day 0, once between days 7 & 14, & once between days 28-42. Initial responders: A 6-month mandatory vaccine booster dose (1.0 mL, SQ) will be given if the PRNT80 is ≥1:40 after the primary series. Subsequent booster doses will be given for PRNT80 titer ,1:40. Initial non-responders: Individual who has a PRNT80 titer ,1:40 following the primary series may be administered a booster dose before 6 months. The individual will not receive the mandatory 6-month booster dose. Once an initial non-responder achieves PRNT80 ≥1:40, additional booster doses will be given for subsequent PRNT80 ,1:40). All subjects: RVF booster dose will be administered within 90 days after a PRNT80 result of ,1:40 ...

All subjects: 1.0-mL (SQ)doses on day 0, once between days 7 & 14, & once between days 28-42. Initial responders: A 6-month mandatory vaccine booster dose (1.0 mL, SQ) will be given if the PRNT80 is ≥1:40 after the primary series. Subsequent booster doses will be given for PRNT80 titer ,1:40. Initial non-responders: Individual who has a PRNT80 titer ,1:40 following the primary series may be administered a booster dose before 6 months. The individual will not receive the mandatory 6-month booster dose. Once an initial non-responder achieves PRNT80 ≥1:40, additional booster doses will be given for subsequent PRNT80 ,1:40). All subjects: RVF booster dose will be administered within 90 days after a PRNT80 result of ,1:40 ...

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TY - PAT. T1 - Detection of Valley Fever Fungus in Plasma. AU - Lake, Douglas. PY - 2011/7/22. Y1 - 2011/7/22. N2 - Coccidioidomycosis (commonly known as Valley Fever) is a respiratory illness that is acquired by the inhalation of airborne spores and may result in severe and even life-threatening pulmonary illness. Its incidence has risen six-fold since 1993, and it accounts for 150,000 human infections annually. Current tests detect antibodies produced in response to the fungus. However, it may take weeks to months to develop such an antibody response, and many immunocompromised patients may not mount an antibody response at all. Therefore, there is a need for a blood test to directly detect coccidioidal proteins allowing for a more definitive diagnosis. Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method for diagnosing Valley Fever by detecting a polypeptide biomarker associated with Valley Fever. The test works with blood, urine, saliva, or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples. ...

Out of the 18,776 California cases between 2001 and 2008, 265 people died, according to the state health department.. Arizona saw an even steeper rise: The number of reported cases there went from 1,400 in 1998 to 16,400 in 2011, with the highest rates of infection occurring in Maricopa, Pima and Pinal counties.. Drought periods can have a potent impact on valley fever if they follow periods of rain, said professor John Galgiani, director of the Valley Fever Center for Excellence at the University of Arizona. Rainfall leads to fungus bloom but limits dust.. When it dries up, thats when the fungus goes into the air, Galgiani said. So when there is rain a year or two earlier, that creates more cases if drought follows.. In addition, the CDC and the California Department of Public Health say improved reporting methods and better diagnosis also partially explain the increase in valley fever.. Despite that, an estimated 150,000 valley fever infections go undiagnosed every year, the CDC says. ...

Before walking into the parent resource center at McKinley Elementary School, Classy Gray didnt know much about valley fever, the insidious respiratory disease that annually infects thousands throughout the southwestern United States.. A Los Angeles native, the extent of Grays knowledge of the disease, along with many other parents, was that valley fever was something akin to a common cold.. Doesnt it have something to do with the respiratory system? she asked.. Others knew the disease was serious, but were unaware of how the disease is transmitted. They didnt know the symptoms, or that they could come on fast with little warning. Many bought into the old myth that if anyone growing up in Kern County is likely immune.. That all changed Friday, after the Valley Fever Americas Foundation hosted an hour-long education session at McKinley that taught parents what valley fever is, how to identify symptoms, and warned them of the dangers of misdiagnosis. Its part of an ongoing awareness tour ...

California and federal public health officials say valley fever, a potentially lethal disease, has been on the rise as warming climates and drought have kicked up the dust that spreads it.. The disease can be contracted by simply breathing in fungus-laced spores from dust disturbed by wind as well as human or animal activity.. RELATED: State prisons wont rush to move inmates at risk for Valley Fever. Data shows the number of valley fever cases rose by more than 850 percent nationwide over the past 13 years, with most cases reported in California and Arizona.. Experts say rainfall followed by hotter, drier weather makes more spores airborne, increasing the number of cases. Improved reporting methods and better diagnosis also partially explain the increase.. A federal health official last week ordered the transfer of more than 3,000 vulnerable inmates from two Central California prisons where several dozen have died of the disease.. ...

State public health officials suspect cases of valley fever, the insidious respiratory disease endemic to Kern County, have increased so far this year by at least 34 percent statewide - which could make it the worst year for valley fever in the diseases recorded history, according to new data released Monday.. California Department of Public Health officials estimate that through Oct. 31, at least 5,121 people have acquired coccidioidomycosis, or cocci for short, better known as valley fever. CDPH officials say that by the time those cases are confirmed - a process that typically takes until spring or early summer - the numbers generally drop, but the figures dont take into account the cases that are tallied from October through December, when most diagnoses take place. Last year, CDPH suspected there to be 3,827 cases statewide at the end of October, but that number surged to 5,372 confirmed cases by the spring - the highest since the state began recording cases.. Were seeing more cases ...

Experimental vaccine prototypes against: Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome Virus, porcine circovirus type 2, classical swine fever virus, African swine fever virus, porcine and avian influenza Viruses, foot-and-mouth disease virus, Haemophilus parasuis, Mycobacterium spp, Gumboro, Rift Valley fever virus and many others ...

Viruses from the order of Bunyavirales with a segmented negative strand RNA genome produce only a handful of own proteins, some of them get by with only four gene products. Nonetheless several of the most deadly and newly emerging pathogens like the Lassa virus and the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus belong to this group. Another virus, the Rift Valley fever virus, has been known for approx. 100 years, but large outbreaks in humans have been reported more and more often during the last years. Thus in addition to the newly emerged viruses, some of the long-known viruses gained a more important role for public health. How these small viruses are able to use their 4-6 proteins in a way that allows them to have such a dramatic effect on their host is fascinating and not yet understood. Two proteins are mainly in the focus of our research: The L protein and the N protein that together with the RNA genome of the virus form the ribonucleoparticle, which is sufficient for replication and ...

Small mammals such as bats and rodents have been increasingly recognized as reservoirs of novel potentially zoonotic pathogens. However, few in vitro model systems to date allow assessment of zoonotic viruses in a relevant host context. The cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) is a New World rodent species that has a long-standing history as an experimental animal model due to its unique susceptibility to human viruses. Furthermore, wild cotton rats are associated with a large variety of known or potentially zoonotic pathogens. A method for the isolation and culture of airway epithelial cell lines recently developed for bats was applied for the generation of rodent airway and renal epithelial cell lines from the cotton rat. Continuous cell lines were characterized for their epithelial properties as well as for their interferon competence. Susceptibility to members of zoonotic Bunya-, Rhabdo-, and Flaviviridae, in particular Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), West Nile virus (WNV

Both Aedes aegytpi and Ae. albopictus are major vectors of 5 important arboviruses (namely chikungunya virus, dengue virus, Rift Valley fever virus, yellow fever virus, and Zika virus), making these mosquitoes an important factor in the worldwide burden of infectious disease. Vector control using insecticides coupled with larval source reduction is critical to control the transmission of these viruses to humans but is threatened by the emergence of insecticide resistance. Here, we review the available evidence for the geographical distribution of insecticide resistance in these 2 major vectors worldwide and map the data collated for the 4 main classes of neurotoxic insecticide (carbamates, organochlorines, organophosphates, and pyrethroids). Emerging resistance to all 4 of these insecticide classes has been detected in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Target-site mutations and increased insecticide detoxification have both been linked to resistance in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus but more work is

In this study, we demonstrate that ribavirin inhibits the viral replication of SFTSV in Vero cells in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 of ribavirin against SFTSV ranged from 3.69 to 8.72 μg/mL, which is similar to that for Andes virus (5 to 12.5 μg/mL) and Lassa virus (9 to 20 μg/mL), but substantially lower than that for Rift Valley fever virus (40 to 80 μg/mL) [5,6]. Our results suggest that ribavirin may be used as an antiviral agent for patients with SFTSV infection.. Our study clearly showed that treatment with ribavirin concentrations of ≥ 8 μg/mL significantly reduced viral RNA titers in vitro. A recent study by Shimojima at al. [10] also reported that SFTS viral production in Vero, Huh7, and U2OS cells was reduced by 99% at ribavirin concentrations of 64, 20, and 19 μg/mL, respectively. The actual concentrations of ribavirin showing antiviral effects in other cell lines might be lower than that of Vero cells, which are known to be more resistant to ribavirin [11].. The present ...

Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is a single tube, isothermal alternative to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). By adding a reverse transcriptase enzyme to an RPA reaction it can detect RNA as well as DNA, without the need for a separate step to produce cDNA,. Because it is isothermal, RPA can use much simpler equipment than PCR, which requires a thermal cycler. Operating best at temperatures of 37-42 °C and still working, albeit more slowly, at room temperature means RPA reactions can in theory be run quickly simply by holding a tube. This makes RPA an excellent candidate for developing low-cost, rapid, point-of-care molecular tests. A recent international quality assessment of molecular detection of Rift Valley fever virus performed as well as the best RT-PCR tests, detecting less concentrated samples missed by some PCR tests and an RT_LAMP test. RPA was developed and launched by TwistDx Ltd. (formerly known as ASM Scientific Ltd), a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, UK. ...

Alan McGreevy is an instructor in the Department of Biology at the University of Winnipeg. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Manitoba, studying neurotropic enteroviruses at the Public Health Agency of Canadas National Microbiology Laboratory. He completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science Honours in Biology at Queens University. He worked in the Chemical Protection Group at the Royal Military College of Canada, focusing on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear preparedness for first responders. He received a Master of Science in Medical Microbiology from the University of Manitoba, studying Rift Valley Fever Virus in the Special Pathogens Unit at the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease. He is a registered member of the Canadian College of Microbiologists, a registered biological safety officer with the Canadian Association for Biological Safety and an academic affiliate of the ...

In the enzootic areas of Africa, RVF virus activity occurs in a cryptic manner at a low level most years. No clinical disease would be identifiable at such times, but low-level sero-conversion rates may be detected in the susceptible species and random isolates may be made from mosquitoes. Better baseline data are required for many countries in Africa to understand where and at what level this activity occurs. Research in eastern and southern Africa has shown that clinical disease only occurs in certain ecological zones.. In countries beyond the enzootic areas of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, prevention strategies should describe the measures to be taken in order to minimize the risk of introduction and establishment of RVF in the country or in RVF-free areas of the country, taking into account the assessed risks of introduction and the available strategies for reducing these risks by the control of transboundary livestock movements and management of the importation of animal ...

The wetland ecosystem in the Central Rift Valley is the largest fresh water ecosystem of Ethiopia. It is a biodiversity hotspot for flora and fauna, containing a diversity of water plants and water birds, which breed primarily in the ecosystem. The islands in Lake Ziway are unique for their historical and cultural heritage. Lake Ziway is the only freshwater lake in the area, used for drinking water, small scale commercial fishing, and small- and large-scale agricultural irrigation.. The Central Rift Valley is a sourcing area for floriculture, horticulture and viticulture, as well as a major source of drinking water. The horticultural sector comprises a mix of smallholder growers and commercial fruit and vegetable producers. Large smallholder mixed-farming produces wheat, maize, barley and teff, with predominant livestock of cattle, sheep and goat. Irrigation schemes are expanding and plans to develop aquaculture are in the making.. The area provides economic opportunities to local small scale ...

A double bounded contingent valuation (CV) model was used to assess the Willingness to Pay (WTP) for vaccination of cattle against RVF in a sample of 276 livestock producers in Muranga, Laikipia and Kwale Counties. While the level of awareness about the disease was rather low, nearly all respondents expressed willingness to have their animals vaccinated against the disease.

Under project TCP/RAF/8821 (Emergency analysis and control of Rift Valley fever and other vector-borne diseases in eastern Africa), a workshop gathering CVOs of Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, the Sudan, the United Republic of Tanzania and Uganda was held in Kampala from 30 August to 3 September 1999. It provided a most valuable opportunity to gauge the current status of transboundary animal diseases (TADs), especially those which are flood-related. The CVOs participated enthusiastically in presenting and discussing the many problems that beset them, the progress made in resolving them and future challenges. They described the serious weaknesses, which they are seeking to rectify, in TAD control in the region and in preparedness for animal disease emergencies. In common with many meetings concerning the control of transboundary animal diseases in developing countries, the main preoccupations were: insufficient recognition of the major contribution that livestock makes to national economies, food ...

No one knows why some people become so ill from the virus. So far, severe cases have not been linked to HIV infection, old age or other conditions that can make people especially vulnerable.. Because the virus is carried by mosquitoes, the disease has the potential to spread far and wide. Cases have already been reported outside the northeastern province, which has scientists worried. And they point out that outbreaks can have substantial economic impact, if they lead to international quarantines and restrictions on livestock sales.. The 1997-98 outbreak led to bans on imports of cattle from Kenya and East Africa that lasted for years, Breiman said. Other countries feared that imported animals would touch off epidemics in people and livestock. The death rate is much higher in animals than in people, and the infection causes 100 percent of pregnant animals to abort.. The Centers for Disease Control worked with Kenyas Ministry of Health to set up a laboratory in Garissa to test human blood for ...

The Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research (OJVR), is the official publication of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute. It publishes scientific papers reporting original research on diseases and disease vectors of livestock and wildlife with a focus on Africa, but with results of more than local interest.

In some cases the infection is asymptomatic - persons do not exhibit symptoms. However, those who show symptoms get ill 2 to 6 days after exposure to the virus with flu-like symptoms, including sudden fever, muscle and joint pain, and headache. Sensitivity to light, neck stiffness, vomiting and loss of appetite are also common. Most patients recover 4 to 7 days later, but some end up with one or more severe forms of the infection: Ocular syndrome (legions to the retina causing possible vision loss), meningoencephalitis (brain swelling causing memory loss, hallucinations, and convulsions) and /or haemorrhagic fever (uncontrolled bleeding and possible liver damage). ...

Data proves Valley fever cases are on the rise over the last decade, claiming the lives of nine people in Kern County in 2017. Health officials held the first Valley fever forum in Spanish to help raise awareness about the disease and continue the push for a vaccine. Officials said too often, Latinos didn

Patient: Canine Diagnosis: Fungal in Nature … Infection in Lungs … (Valley Fever) I have a 12.5 yr old Weimaraner, 62 pounds ... with Valley Fever Lung...