Two additional laboratories confirmed human cases of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) have been reported by the National Institute of Communicable Disease (NICD) Laboratory today.
One patient is a 34-year old African male from Britstown in Northern Cape, who was infected with RVF as a result of contact with animal tissue. The onset of the infection was on 25 April 2010. No complications have been noted, according to NICD.
The second person is a 21-year old white female from Verkeerdevlei in Free State, who was infected also as a result of contact with animal tissue and drinking unpasteurised milk. The NICD reported that the onset of the infection started with vomiting on 22 April 2010. No further complications have been noted.
This brings a total to 166 of laboratory confirmed human Rift Valley Fever (RVF) cases - nine cases from Eastern Cape, 48 cases Northern Cape, one case from North West, 105 cases from Free State, one case from Western Cape and an additional of two cases whose history is still unknown.
Fifteen (15) mortalities - eight from the Free State, six from the Northern Cape and one from the Western Cape, have also been confirmed. The majority of human cases have had mild flu-like symptoms and have not developed complications. There is no human to human spread. The risk of disease is to persons having direct contact with blood or tissues of infected animals and the majority of people affected have been persons working on farms, veterinary workers and slaughter men.
The Department of Health and Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, supported by the South African Field Epidemiology and Training Programme (SA-FELTP), National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) and technical expert from World Health Organisation (WHO), continue to respond to the outbreak.
They have prioritised the following response measures:
* laboratory, epidemiology and surveillance interventions (for diagnosis, case finding and investigation)
* health promotion interventions
* environmental health measures
* management of confirmed cases
* vaccination of animals
While there is no specific treatment, the majority of persons affected will recover completely. People should avoid contact with the tissues of infected animals, refrain from drinking unpasteurised milk and prevent mosquito bites to avoid becoming infected. Farmers and veterinarians should wear protective clothing when handling sick animals or their tissues.
Enquiries:
Charity Bhengu
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: 012 320 8206
Cell: 083 679 7424
Issued by: Department of Health
3 May 2010
Source: Department of Health (http://www.doh.gov.za)
