Relevance of Rift Valley fever to public health in the European Union

Abstract Background: Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a zoonotic arbovirus of public health impact infecting livestock, wildlife, and humans mainly in Africa and other parts of the world. Despite its public health importance, mechanisms of RVFV maintenance during inter-epidemic (IEPS) periods and potentially spread to new areas remain unclear.We aimed to comparatively examine exposure to RVFV and RVFV infection among humans, goats and mosquitoes in an agro-pastoral community in Lower Moshi area of Moshi rural district.Results:Results show that the male gender was related to RVFV seropositivity (χ2 = 5.351; p=0.030). Being 50 years and above was related to seropositivity (χ2=14.430; p=0.006) whereas bed net use, larger numbers of persons living in the same house (>7 persons) and RVFV seropositivity in goats were related to higher seropositivity to RVFV among humans (χ2=6.003; p=0.021, χ2=23.213; p=0.000 and 27.053; p=0.000), respectively.RVFV antibody concentrations were only marginally higher in humans without statistically significant difference [t (112) =0.526; p=0.60)]. By the use of RT-qPCR, goats exhibited the highest RVFV infection rate of 4.1%, followed by humans (2.6%), Aedes spp(2.3%), and Culex spp(1.5%). Conclusions: In the absence of RVFV infection data in areas nearby the study site, our findings suggest Lower Moshi area as a potential hotspot for RVF, posing the danger of being a source of RVFV spread to other areas. Goats had the highest infection rate, suggesting goats as important hosts in the virus maintenance during IEPs. We recommend the design and implementation of strategies that will warrant effective active surveillance of RVF through the identification of RVF hotspots for targeted control of RVF.

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Indigenous knowledge of Rift Valley Fever among Somali nomadic pastoralists and its implications on public health delivery approaches in Ijara sub-County, North Eastern Kenya

PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

10.1371/journal.pntd.0009166 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. e0009166

Author(s):

Geoffrey Otieno Muga ◽

Washington Onyango-Ouma ◽

Rosemary Sang ◽

Hippolyte Affognon

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Indigenous Knowledge ◽

Rift Valley ◽

Rift Valley Fever ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Early Warning Systems ◽

Valley Fever ◽

Health Delivery ◽

Nomadic Pastoralists

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a zoonotic disease whose outbreak results in heavy economic and public health burdens. In East Africa, RVF is mainly experienced in arid and semi-arid areas predominantly inhabited by the pastoralists. These areas experience sudden, dramatic epidemics of the disease at intervals of approximately 10 years, associated with widespread flooding and the resultant swarms of mosquitoes. Pastoralists’ indigenous knowledge and experience of RVF is critical for public health interventions targeting prevention and control of RVF. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design combining both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. A total of 204 respondents participated in questionnaire survey and 15 key informants and 4 focus group discussions were interviewed and conducted respectively. In addition, secondary data mainly journal publications, books, policy documents and research reports from conferences and government departments were reviewed. Findings indicated that the Somali pastoralists possess immense knowledge of RVF including signs and symptoms, risk factors, and risk pathways associated with RVF. Ninety eight percent (98%) of respondents identified signs and symptoms such as bloody nose, diarrhea, foul smell and discharge of blood from the orifices which are consistent with RVF. Heavy rains and floods (85%) and sudden emergence of mosquito swarms (91%) were also cited as the major RVF risk factors while mosquito bites (85%), drinking raw milk and blood (78%) and contact with animal fluids during mobility, slaughter and obstetric procedures (77%) were mentioned as the RVF entry risk pathways. Despite this immense knowledge, the study found that the pastoralists did not translate the knowledge into safer health practices because of the deep-seated socio-cultural practices associated with pastoralist production system and religious beliefs. On top of these practices, food preparation and consumption practices such as drinking raw blood and milk and animal ritual sacrifices continue to account for most of the mortality and morbidity cases experienced in humans and animals during RVF outbreaks. This article concludes that pastoralists’ indigenous knowledge on RVF has implications on public health delivery approaches. Since the pastoralists’ knowledge on RVF was definitive, integrating the community into early warning systems through training on reporting mechanisms and empowering the nomads to use their mobile phone devices to report observable changes in their livestock and environment could prove very effective in providing information for timely mobilization of public health responses. Public health advocacy based on targeted and contextually appropriate health messaging and disseminated through popular communication channels in the community such as the religious leaders and local radio stations would also be needed to reverse the drivers of RVF occurrence in the study area.

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Seropositivity and associated intrinsic and extrinsic factors for Rift Valley fever virus occurrence in pastoral herds of Nigeria: A cross sectional survey

10.21203/rs.2.15982/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nma Bida Alhaji ◽

Jibrin Aminu ◽

Mohammed Kabir Lawan ◽

Olutayo Olajide Babalobi ◽

Ibrahim Ghali-Mohammed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Rift Valley ◽

Rift Valley Fever ◽

Ecological Factors ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Valley Fever ◽

North Central ◽

Pastoral Cattle ◽

Cattle Herds

Abstract Background: Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a vector-borne emerging zoonotic disease of animals and humans, characterized by major socioeconomic losses to livestock farmers, with potential global public health threat. The study determined RVFV seroprevalence in cattle, as well as assessed pastoralists’ existing knowledge about the diseases, and factors that influence RVFV occurrence in pastoral cattle herds of Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in pastoral herds of North-central Nigeria from 2017 to 2018. Data collections were carried out using serology and questionnaire tools. Descriptive statistics, using frequencies and proportions, were used to analyze data obtained from the survey. Categorical variables were presented as proportions and their associations determined by Chi-square tests. Associations of risk factors were analyzed by univariable and multivariable logistic regressions analyses at 95% confidence level. Results: The overall IgM seropositivity of RVFV in pastoral cattle herds of North-central Nigeria was 5.6%. This was higher in nomadic cattle (7.4%) than agro-pastoral animals (3.8%). All animal demographic characteristics of age, sex and breeds were not significantly (p>0.05) associated with RVFV occurrence in pastoral herds. All the 403 pastoralists selected participated in the study, with the majorities of respondents being male, married and having formal education. Majority of the pastoralists had low knowledge levels about zoonotic RVFV infection. However, all identified socio-ecological factors significantly (p<0.05) influenced RVFV occurrence in pastoral cattle herds. Mosquitoes availability in cattle herds environment (OR=7.81; 95% CI: 4.85, 12.37), presence of rivers and streams at grazing fields (OR=10.80; 95% CI: 6.77, 17.34), high rainfall (OR=4.30; 95% CI: 2.74, 6.59), irrigated rice fields (OR=5.14; 95% CI: 3.21, 7.79) , bushy vegetation (OR=6.11; 95% CI: 3.96, 9.43), animal movement (OR=2.2; 95% CI: 1.45, 3.25), and seasons (OR=2.34; 95% CI: 1.55, 3.51) were more likely to influence RVFV occurrence in pastoral cattle herds. Conclusions: The results of this study illustrated recent circulation of RVFV in pastoral cattle herds of Nigeria and needs urgent interventions. Low levels of knowledge about RVF were also highlighted amongst surveyed pastoralists and identified socio-ecological factors significantly influenced RVFV occurrence in herds. Adequate knowledge about RVF epidemiology will assure food security and public health.

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The risk of Rift Valley fever virus introduction and establishment in the United States and European Union

Emerging Microbes & Infections ◽

10.1038/emi.2013.81 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 67

Author(s):

Alicia I Rolin ◽

Lea Berrang-Ford ◽

Manisha A Kulkarni

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

European Union ◽

Rift Valley ◽

Rift Valley Fever ◽

Rift Valley Fever Virus ◽

The United States ◽

Fever Virus ◽

Valley Fever

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Rift Valley fever and Brucella spp. in ruminants, Somalia

BMC Veterinary Research ◽

10.1186/s12917-021-02980-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ahmed A. Hassan-Kadle ◽

Aamir M. Osman ◽

Mohamed A. Shair ◽

Omar M. Abdi ◽

Abdulkarim A. Yusuf ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Rift Valley ◽

Rift Valley Fever ◽

One Health ◽

Zoonotic Diseases ◽

Limited Data ◽

Serological Evidence ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Valley Fever ◽

Female Cattle

Abstract Background Fourteen-years after the last Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus (RVFV) outbreak, Somalia still suffers from preventable transboundary diseases. The tradition of unheated milk consumption and handling of aborted materials poses a public health risk for zoonotic diseases. Limited data are available on RVF and Brucella spp. in Somali people and their animals. Hence, this study has evaluated the occurrence of RVFV and Brucella spp. antibodies in cattle, goats and sheep sera from Afgoye and Jowhar districts of Somalia. Methods Serum samples from 609 ruminants (201 cattle, 203 goats and 205 sheep), were serologically screened for RVF by a commercial cELISA, and Brucella species by modified Rose Bengal Plate Test (mRBPT) and a commercial iELISA. Results Two out of 609 (0.3 %; 95 %CI: 0.04–1.2 %) ruminants were RVF seropositive, both were female cattle from both districts. Anti-Brucella spp. antibodies were detected in 64/609 (10.5 %; 95 %CI: 8.2–13.2 %) ruminants by mRBPT, which were 39/201 (19.4 %) cattle, 16/203 (7.9 %) goats and 9/205 (4.4 %) sheep. Cattle were 5.2 and 2.8 times more likely to be Brucella-seropositive than sheep (p = 0.000003) and goats (p = 0.001), respectively. When mRBPT-positive samples were tested by iELISA, 29/64 (45.3 %; 95 %CI: 32.8–58.3 %) ruminant sera were positive for Brucella spp. Only 23/39 (58.9 %) cattle sera and 6/16 (37.5 %) goat sera were positive to Brucella spp. by iELISA. Conclusions The present study showed the serological evidence of RVF and brucellosis in ruminants from Afgoye and Jowhar districts of Somalia. Considering the negligence of the zoonotic diseases at the human-animal interface in Somali communities, a One Health approach is needed to protect public health.

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Remote Sensing and Public Health Issues in a Changing Climate and Environment: The Rift Valley Fever Case

National Security and Human Health Implications of Climate Change - NATO Science for Peace and Security Series C: Environmental Security ◽

10.1007/978-94-007-2430-3_19 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 229-240

Author(s):

Y. M. Tourre ◽

J.-P. Lacaux ◽

C. Vignolles ◽

M. Lafaye

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Remote Sensing ◽

Rift Valley ◽

Rift Valley Fever ◽

Health Issues ◽

Valley Fever ◽

Fever Case ◽

Changing Climate

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Rift valley fever in Africa with the emerging interest in Libya

International Journal of One Health ◽

10.14202/ijoh.2021.237-245 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 237-245

Author(s):

Abdusalam S. Mahmoud ◽

Osama K. Sawesi ◽

Osama R. El-Waer ◽

Emad M. Bennour

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Rift Valley ◽

Rift Valley Fever ◽

Mosquito Species ◽

Public Health Authority ◽

Human Beings ◽

Valley Fever ◽

Socioeconomic Impacts ◽

Vector Borne ◽

The Many

Rift valley fever (RVF) is an acute vector-borne viral zoonotic disease of domestic and wild ruminants. The RVF virus (RVFV) belonging to the Phlebovirus genus of the Bunyaviridae family causes this disease. Studies have shown that mosquitoes are the vectors that transmit RVFV. Specifically, Aedes and Culex mosquito species are among the many vectors of this virus, which affects not only sheep, goats, buffalo, cattle, and camels but also human beings. Since the 30s of the last century, RVF struck Africa, and to a lesser extent, Asian continents, with subsequent episodes of epizootic, epidemic, and sporadic outbreaks. These outbreaks, therefore, resulted in the cumulative loss of thousands of human lives, thereby disrupting the livestock market or only those with seropositive cases. After that outbreak episode, RVF was not reported in Libya until January 13, 2020, where it was reported for the 1st time in a flock of sheep and goats in the southern region of the country. Although insufficient evidence to support RVF clinical cases among the confirmed seropositive animals exists, neither human cases nor death were reported in Libya. Yet, the overtime expansion of RVF kinetics in the Libyan neighborhoods, in addition to the instability and security vacuum experienced in the country, lack of outbreak preparedness, and the availability of suitable climatic and disease vector factors, makes this country a possible future scene candidate for RVF expansion. Urgently, strengthening veterinary services (VS) and laboratory diagnostic capacities, including improvement of monitoring and surveillance activity programs, should be implemented in areas at risk (where imported animals crossing borders from Libyan neighborhoods and competent vectors are found) at national, sub-national, and regional levels. The Libyan government should also implement a tripartite framework (one health approach) among the veterinary public health, public health authority, and environmental sanitation sectors to implement RVF surveillance protocols, along with an active partnership with competent international bodies (OIE, FAO, and WHO). Therefore, this review comprises the most updated data regarding the epidemiological situation of RVF infections and its socioeconomic impacts on African and Asian continents, and also emphasize the emerging interest of RVF in Libya.

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Scoping future outbreaks: a scoping review on the outbreak prediction of the WHO Blueprint list of priority diseases

BMJ Global Health ◽

10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006623 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (9) ◽

pp. e006623

Author(s):

Nils Jonkmans ◽

Valérie D’Acremont ◽

Antoine Flahault

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Rift Valley ◽

Rift Valley Fever ◽

Evidence Synthesis ◽

Emerging Diseases ◽

Marburg Virus ◽

Prediction Methods ◽

Valley Fever ◽

Priority List

BackgroundThe WHO’s Research and Development Blueprint priority list designates emerging diseases with the potential to generate public health emergencies for which insufficient preventive solutions exist. The list aims to reduce the time to the availability of resources that can avert public health crises. The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic illustrates that an effective method of mitigating such crises is the pre-emptive prediction of outbreaks. This scoping review thus aimed to map and identify the evidence available to predict future outbreaks of the Blueprint diseases.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review of PubMed, Embase and Web of Science related to the evidence predicting future outbreaks of Ebola and Marburg virus, Zika virus, Lassa fever, Nipah and Henipaviral disease, Rift Valley fever, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome and Disease X. Prediction methods, outbreak features predicted and implementation of predictions were evaluated. We conducted a narrative and quantitative evidence synthesis to highlight prediction methods that could be further investigated for the prevention of Blueprint diseases and COVID-19 outbreaks.ResultsOut of 3959 articles identified, we included 58 articles based on inclusion criteria. 5 major prediction methods emerged; the most frequent being spatio-temporal risk maps predicting outbreak risk periods and locations through vector and climate data. Stochastic models were predominant. Rift Valley fever was the most predicted disease. Diseases with complex sociocultural factors such as Ebola were often predicted through multifactorial risk-based estimations. 10% of models were implemented by health authorities. No article predicted Disease X outbreaks.ConclusionsSpatiotemporal models for diseases with strong climatic and vectorial components, as in River Valley fever prediction, may currently best reduce the time to the availability of resources. A wide literature gap exists in the prediction of zoonoses with complex sociocultural and ecological dynamics such as Ebola, COVID-19 and especially Disease X.

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