HEALTH - RIFT VALLEY FEVERThe Rift Valley Fever virus belongs to the Bunyaviridae family of viruses and usually affects livestock like cattle, sheep and goats. Infected animals often experience stillbirths or miscarriages and the infections are usually fatal in young animals. The virus is transmitted among livestock by mosquitos and while human transmission via this route is possible, it is not common. Humans are infected when they come in contact with animal tissue and this is predominantly seen in people involved with animal husbandry (animal birth/delivery). Any person involved with animal slaughter is also at risk of contracting RVF. Eating the infected meat, especially if it is inadequately cooked, or drinking unpasteurized milk from an infected animal can also result in the spread of RVF from animals to humans.
Symptoms
Some patients show no symptoms. Others show sudden onset of mild fever with a biphasic course, and symptoms of liver and kidney disorder. The most common complication is retinitis with a central scotoma. Paramacular retinal hemorrhages and edema may also occur. Between 1%-10% of convalescents have some permanent vision loss. In general, patients recover from the disease 2 to 7 days after onset of symptoms.
In severe cases, the disease becomes serious. Symptoms include fever, myalgias, and encephalitis, including headache, coma, and seizures. Other symptoms include: backpain, dizziness, and extreme weight loss. In extreme cases, the patient hemorrhages, vascular collapse occurs, followed by shock and death. Severe cases of RVF fall into three categories:
Liver necrosis with hemorrhaging
Retinitis with visual impairment
Meningoencephalitis
Treatment
Rift Valley Fever is caused due to a virus, which usually infects invertebrates. The Aedes mosquito is the carrier of the virus and humans get the virus when bitten by this mosquito. There is no established course of treatment for patients infected with Rift Valley Fever virus. Most human cases of Rift Valley Fever are rather mild and of short duration hence, these patients require no specific treatment. Initial treatment of fever includes antipyretics. In case of Adults, doctors recommend Acetaminophen for pain and fever and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen and Ketoprofen. For children, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen are recommended. Aspirin and most other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not used in children unless recommended by the doctor.
Most viral syndromes are self-limited and hence require only antipyretics and increased fluid intake for risk of dehydration. In addition, general supportive therapy at home can be provided to aid the healing process. Supportive therapy includes providing plenty of rest, encouraging liquid fluid intake, tepid sponging and reassurance to the patient. But, the doctor needs to be consulted for symptoms like worsening headache and worsening neck pain, appearance of rashes, Fever over 103 degrees F (39.4 Celsius), repeated vomiting, excessive sleepiness, confusion and seizures. Treatment for severe cases Rift Valley Fever includes antiviral medication such as Ribavirin (marketed as Virazole) and administering intravenous fluids. Other promising treatments include interferon and fresh frozen plasma. Studies in monkeys and other animals have shown promise for Ribavirin, an antiviral drug, for future use in humans. However, there is currently no treatment for the Egyptian strain of Rift Valley Fever. More Information
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