Strange disease outbreaks have occurred severally across the world. Diseases not heard about before have started showing up, and they have consumed the lives of many as the medical fraternity try to find a way around it. In the early 1930s, a disease of this kind threatened many lives in Africa was discovered. In 1997, the disease broke out in East Africa, affecting an estimated 90,000 people with 500 deaths were later recorded (Davies, 2010). Animals, especially livestock (which are a primary source of living for most people in the region), died in large numbers in the affecting areas. The disease was later established as the Rift Valley Fever (RVF).
The RVF is a viral (caused by a virus) disease that causes fever (Davies, 2010). It affects mostly animals but is also communicable to human beings. In most cases, it is transferred to humans through mosquito bites or when a person comes into direct contact with an infected animal (Davies, 2010). People infected with the virus tend not to show any signs and symptoms except for a select few who become heavily sickened. Some signs and symptoms include haemorrhagic fever, blindness, and encephalitis (Davies, 2010). In animals, the virus makes them sick and can lead to miscarriage in pregnant animals.
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RVF is diagnosed through virus isolation (Davies, 2010). The enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) is used to test antibodies so as to confirm whether IgM and IgG antibodies are present in the body of a certain person (Davies, 2010). The presence of this antibodies confirms the presence of the RVF virus. No specific treatment for the virus has been found yet. Similarly, no vaccination against the disease has been discovered by the scientists. However, in an attempt to ensure that it does not spread to humans, a vaccine for animals has been developed (Davies, 2010).
Recently, the RVF has been reported to have spread in the Middle East (Davies, 2010). Saudi Arabia has reported several cases over the years in both animals and humans. These outbreaks call for intensive preventive measures to be put in place now that there is no specified treatment. Animals need to be vaccinated against the disease given that they are the primary cause of its spread.
Reference
Davies, F. G. (2010). The Historical and Recent Impact of Rift Valley Fever in Africa. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 83 (2), 73-74.
