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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 8/18/2011 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a disease of animals and humans that occurs in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. A Phlebovirus in the family Bunyaviridae causes the disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Epidemics occur during years of unusually heavy rainfall that assessment models are being developed to predict risk of outbreaks. Domestic cattle, sheep and goats are highly susceptible to infection, which can result in high mortality in young animals and increased abortion in adults. Infection in humans causes influenza-like symptoms, but can lead to severe complications, including retinopathy, blindness and even death. An international team has been working together using a “One Health” approach to develop new diagnostic and control measures. The emphasis in diagnostic tools are those that do not pose a health risk to the operator that can be used for the early detection of an introduction of RVF into North America. The current global status of RVF control strategies was also discussed. |
