An outbreak of rift valley fever in Sudan

ABSTRACT

During the period between 15 September 2007 till 15 January 2008, a total of 688 human cases of Rift Valley Fever [RVF] were reported from six states in the Sudan [White Nile, Gezira, Sinnar, Khartoum, River Nile and Kassala], including 222 deaths [CFR of 32.1%.]. Gezira State, which is known to have rich irrigation system and high mosquito density, reported more than 60% of cases. The outbreak was first reported from White Nile State, among semi-nomadic population then expanded to other states. In response to this outbreak, a joint team of Ministry of Health, Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries [MARF], WHO and FAO investigated the outbreak; appropriate preventive and control measures were instituted. Newly reported cases presented with ocular manifestation, a typical late-occurring feature of RVF infection. While active surveillance continues in all affected states, other than Gezira, no new cases have been reported since 5 January 2008