St Helena : St Helena Prepared for Rift Valley Fever in South Africa
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Public Relations Information Office) 12.05.2010 (Article Archived on 26.05.2010)
The UK Health Protection Agency Focal Point has issued a warning to travellers to South Africa to the effect that South Africa is experiencing an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) and that a number of animal and human deaths have occurred.
Rift Valley Fever in South Africa
The UK Health Protection Agency Focal Point has issued a warning to travellers to South Africa to the effect that South Africa is experiencing an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) and that a number of animal and human deaths have occurred.
Rift Valley fever is a virus that primarily affects animals but also has the capacity to infect humans. Infection can cause severe disease in both animals and humans.
Recommendations
The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises that there is no international travel restriction to or from South Africa. However, WHO recommends that visitors to South Africa, especially those intending to visit farms and/or game reserves should avoid coming into contact with animal tissues or blood, avoid drinking unpasteurized or uncooked milk or eating raw meat. All travellers should take appropriate precautions against mosquito bites (for example, by using mosquito nets and insect repellents).
An inactivated vaccine has been developed for human use. However, this vaccine is not licensed and is not commercially available. It has been used experimentally to protect veterinary and laboratory personnel at high risk of exposure to RVF. Other candidate vaccines are under investigation.
This is just a warning to travellers to take care when in South Africa, but there is no need to cancel any travel arrangements.
Dr S Bloem
Senior Medical Officer/Clinical Director
6 May 2010
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