People are infected with Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV) through contact with blood, body fluids, or tissues of RVFV-infected animals, mainly livestock. In addition, several mosquito species can spread RVF virus.

Image/CIA
Image/CIA

On the archipelago of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean, the number of human cases continue to rise.

According to health officials (computer translated), 82 human cases of RVF have been reported since November 2018. No deaths have been reported.

The weekly number of reported cases has remained stable for 3 weeks. Human cases are mainly located in the center and north-west of the island.

39 outbreaks of sick animals (mostly cows), also mainly in the center and north-west have been reported through Mar. 1.

An order prohibiting the marketing of untreated milk has been in force since late February.

RVF is an acute, fever-causing viral disease most commonly observed in domesticated animals (such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels), with the ability to infect and cause illness in humans.

RVF is generally found in regions of eastern and southern Africa where sheep and cattle are raised, but the virus exists in most of sub-Saharan Africa, including west Africa and Madagascar.