By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
A second fatal human Rift Valley fever (RVF) case in recent weeks was reported in Uganda.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the second confirmed case of Rift Valley fever was reported from Ntoroko district, Uganda.
The individual was a 25-year-old male from the Democratic Republic of Congo who was living and working in Kimara Village, Butungama sub-county in Ntorroko district, Uganda.
The patient developed hemorrhagic symptoms on Dec. 5 and despite treatment, the patient died the next day.
A safe and dignified burial occurred later in the month.
The first RVF case/death was reported from Obongi District.
According to WHO, Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes and blood feeding flies that usually affects animals (commonly cattle and sheep) but can also involve humans. In humans the disease ranges from a mild flu-like illness to severe hemorrhagic fever that can be lethal. When livestock are infected the disease can cause significant economic losses due to high mortality rate in young animals and waves of abortions in pregnant females.
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The majority of human infections result from direct or indirect contact with the blood or organs of infected animals. The virus can be transmitted to humans through the handling of animal tissue during slaughtering or butchering, assisting with animal births, conducting veterinary procedures, or from the disposal of carcasses or fetuses. Certain occupational groups such as herders, farmers, slaughterhouse workers and veterinarians are therefore at higher risk of infection.
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