The Travel Health and Vaccine Specialists

Health Alert


LEVEL 1 - PRACTICE USUAL PRECAUTIONS

Rift Valley Fever in Uganda

Updated November 22, 2018

Updated: November 21, 2018

Note:
Information regarding the number and location of cases in Uganda has been updated.
Kenya is no longer experiencing an outbreak of rift valley fever. This notice has been updated to remove information related to the outbreak in Kenya.
Original publication date: August 1, 2018

Current Situation
Outbreaks of Rift Valley fever in humans have been confirmed in Uganda.

The Uganda Ministry of Health has reported 23 cases of Rift Valley fever, including 19 confirmed cases, since June 29, 2018. Cases were reported in 11 districts in Western Uganda. Insingiro district has reported the highest number of cases.

Individuals who are most at risk of exposure to Rift Valley fever are groups working with animals such as farmers, veterinarians and slaughterhouse workers in areas reporting cases.

About Rift Valley fever?
Rift Valley fever is an infection that is caused by a virus. The disease affects mostly animals (such as sheep, goats, cattle and camels) but can also cause illness in humans. The disease has been reported only in Africa, most commonly sub-Saharan Africa.

Humans can get Rift Valley fever through:

contact with infected animals
the bite of an infected mosquito
eating or drinking unpasteurized milk and milk products
Symptoms of Rift Valley fever are usually mild and may include:

sudden onset of fever
muscle pain
joint pain
headache
stiff neck
sensitivity to light
loss of appetite
vomiting
In less than 1% of human cases, the disease can be severe and cause death.

There is no vaccine or medication available for humans to prevent Rift Valley fever.

There is no specific treatment for Rift Valley fever but medical care can help with recovery and the control of symptoms.

Recommendations
Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic, preferably 6 weeks before you travel.

Avoid exposure to infected animals:
Avoid contact with animal tissues or blood (e.g. raw meat).
Protect yourself from insect bites at all times. Rift Valley fever virus is transmitted by mosquitoes that can bite during the day and night.
Use insect repellant on exposed skin.
Cover up: wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Accommodations: stay in fully enclosed rooms that have intact window and door screens.
Use bed nets, they can also cover playpens, cribs or strollers.
Eat and drink safely abroad:
Avoid unpasteurized milk and milk products.
Avoid raw or undercooked meat. Only eat foods that are well cooked and served hot.
Monitor your health:
If you develop symptoms of Rift Valley fever when travelling or after you return to Canada, seek medical attention.
Tell your health care professional where you have been travelling or living.
Registration of Canadians Abroad
Sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to stay connected with the Government of Canada in case of an emergency abroad or an emergency at home.

Related links
Insect bite prevention
Travel Advice and Advisories
Sickness or injury while travelling
If you get sick after travelling
Other Resources
World Health Organization: Rift Valley fever fact sheet
World Health Organization: Rift Valley fever-Disease outbreak news

Date modified: 2017-04-05