The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 404 human cases of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) and 42 associated deaths in Mauritania and Senegal between September 20 and October 30, raising fresh concern over the growing health and economic impact of the disease in West Africa.
RVF, a mosquito-borne viral infection that also affects cattle, sheep, goats and camels, has become a serious threat to livestock-producing communities.
Health experts say the current outbreak was triggered by recent heavy rains, which created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.
According to WHO, authorities in both countries have scaled up emergency responses including:
• intensified field surveillance in high-risk districts
• community sensitization campaigns targeting farmers and butchers
• animal vaccination exercises in affected livestock corridors
• mosquito control and disinfection operations
Laboratories in the sub-region have also increased diagnostic capacity to detect the virus faster, in order to limit further spread.
The organization cautions that the disease could expand into neighbouring countries if livestock movement is not properly monitored. WHO is working with governments, regional public health bodies and international partners to coordinate response efforts.
Communities, especially herders, traders and slaughterhouse workers, have been urged to wear protective gear, avoid touching sick livestock, and report unexpected animal deaths immediately.
Rift Valley Fever was first identified in Kenya in 1931 and outbreaks have repeatedly occurred across sub-Saharan Africa, often linked to rainfall and climate variability.
Public health specialists warn that climate-driven extreme weather events — including severe flooding — could increase the frequency of RVF outbreaks if strong surveillance and early detection systems are not sustained.
Source:Africa Publicity
