By NewsDesk @bactiman63
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a travel notice for the northwestern African country of Mauritania.
There is an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in Mauritania, including the capital region of Nouakchott.
Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever that causes illness in animals (such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels).
Most people with RVF have either no symptoms or a mild illness with fever, weakness, back pain, and dizziness. A small percentage (8-10%) of people with RVF develop much more severe symptoms, including eye disease, hemorrhage (excessive bleeding), and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Most people recover within one week. Approximately 1% of people who get RVF die.
CDC says there is no vaccine or medication that prevents RVF. Travelers to Mauritania can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites and taking the following steps:
- Avoid exposure to cattle and livestock and to their blood or organs. Do not handle raw meat. Wear protective equipment if working with animals.
- Prevent mosquito bites. Because RVF can be spread by mosquito bites, all travelers to Mauritania should prevent mosquito bites by
- Using insect repellant.
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors.
- Sleeping in an air-conditioned or well-screened room, or under an insecticide-treated bed net.
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