Perilous disease lab quest Jun 22, 2008
Researchers also would study African swine fever, Japanese encephalitis, Rift Valley fever and the Hendra and Nipah viruses. The five locations the U.S. is considering are Athens, Ga. (San Francisco Chronicle)
More disease outbreaks in Europe with climate change: experts Jun 12, 2008
"These changes are likely to impact on disease vectors, such as mosquitoes transmitting West Nile fever, chikungunya fever and possibly even dengue or Rift Valley fever," it added. The agency cautioned that tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), which is considered one of the most dangerous infections of the central nervous system in Europe, had also been spreading rapidly across the continent. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
New repellents without DEET show promise in tests on humans May 28, 2008
But new repellents are always needed because the threat from mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, yellow fever, West Nile virus and Rift Valley fever is growing. Chemists at the University of Florida and the United States Department of Agriculture screened many acylpiperidines, which are related to the active ingredient in pepper. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Kenya: Country Under Fresh Threat From Rift Valley Fever May 8, 2008
com: Kenya: Country Under Fresh Threat From Rift Valley Fever (Page 1 of 1) ... Kenya: Country Under Fresh Threat From Rift Valley Fever ... When it struck barely a year ago, the dreaded Rift Valley Fever left a Sh2 billion void in the country's livestock industry. (allAfrica.com)
Fast Facts: Somalia May 5, 2008
Agriculture is the most important sector, with livestock normally accounting for about 40% of GDP and about 65% of export earnings, but Saudi Arabia's ban on Somali livestock, due to Rift Valley Fever concerns, has severely hampered the sector. Nomads and semi-nomads, who are dependent upon livestock for their livelihood, make up a large portion of the population. (CBS News -- World)
Madagascar: Rift Valley Fever Hits Island Apr 22, 2008
com: Madagascar: Rift Valley Fever Hits Island (Page 1 of 1) ... Madagascar: Rift Valley Fever Hits Island ... Rift Valley Fever (RVF) has infected more than 400 people in Madagascar, with at least 17 fatalities, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH). (allAfrica.com)
Uganda: Mosquito Pesticide Spraying Starts Friday Apr 8, 2008
The spraying comes shortly after the World Health Organisation warned of an increase in malaria and the Rift Valley fever due to increasing temperatures because of global warming ... The rains, which are expected to become more frequent as the climate changes, she said, would also see an escalation of the Rift Valley fever. (allAfrica.com)
Climate Change Will Erode Foundations Of Health, World Health Organization Warns Apr 8, 2008
Rift Valley fever in Africa: Major outbreaks are usually associated with rains, which are expected to become more frequent as the climate changes. Hurricane Katrina, 2005: More than 1 800 people died and thousands more were displaced. (Science Daily)
Fujifilm Gets Flu Drug in Toyama Deal to Increase Sales, Challenge Tamiflu Feb 20, 2008
The pill's development would be an advance against seasonal flu, and also may give doctors their first weapon against Rift Valley fever that's killed thousands of Africans, scientists say. Doctors are reluctant to prescribe ribavirin, a 37-year- old polymerase inhibitor used to treat hepatitis C, for flu and other viruses because of its propensity to also damage human cells, Palese said. (Bloomberg)
Biolab loses political support Jan 14, 2008
It also includes diseases that can jump from animals to humans: Hendra, a virus that primarily affects horses and humans; Japanese encephalitis, a virus that infects humans, birds and domestic animals; Nipah, a virus that afflicts pigs and humans; and Rift Valley fever, which affects humans, sheep, goats, cattle and deer. More Home. (News & Observer)
* Taiwan's real 'fruitful' diplomacy Dec 30, 2007
In response to the serious health threats of malaria, diarrhea and Rift Valley fever in Kenya, Taiwan in January sent its third health mission to help authorities control the diseases by providing spraying equipment, medicine, mosquito nets and laboratory expertise. Aware of the urgent need to work globally, Taiwan in July reached a consensus with the International Medical Assistance Foundation on efforts to prevent and control major international diseases such as avian flu, malaria, Rift Valley... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Earthbound mission for NASA: Public health Dec 12, 2007
When an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever killed more than 120 people in Saudi Arabia and Yemen in 2000, U.S. military commanders worried it might have been caused by the release of the fever-causing virus by a terrorist cell. Using rainfall data from NASA's Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite and vegetation measurements from the Terra and Aqua satellites, scientists discovered "the heaviest rainfall in that area than they'd had in 30 years." The rain boosted the mosquito population, so... (USA Today -- Tech)
In picturesFrom the bite of a camel to a tiger cub in Africa's week Dec 8, 2007
On Wednesday, a camel in Sudan tries out a shepherd's head for size at Moelh market in the capital, Khartoum, after officials said the country was free of Rift Valley Fever. The next day, a South China tiger cub, one of the world's rarest cat species, is pictured 13 days after his birth in South Africa's Laohu Valley Reserve. (BBC News -- Africa)
Ebola and other tropical viruses Nov 30, 2007
Rift Valley fever - mainly found in sub-Saharan Africa, and spread by mosquitoes. Congo-Crimean haemorrhagic fever - found in many parts of Africa, the Middle East and even warmer parts of the former Soviet Union, in which an outbreak is ongoing. (BBC News -- Health)
Africa: Climate Change Threatens Continent Nov 27, 2007
spark new and more frequent epidemics of mosquito-born diseases such as malaria and Rift Valley Fever. The poor those with the lightest carbon footprint and the least means to protect themselves are the first victims of developed countries energy-rich lifestyle, says Kevin Watkins, lead author of the report, in a press release issued with the report. (allAfrica.com)
FAO: Rift Valley Fever could spread Nov 27, 2007
The Food and Agriculture Organization has cautioned that an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever in Sudan could spread rapidly in the coming weeks, due to the widespread movement of livestock in preparation for the Muslim holiday Eid Al-Idha, reported the Voice of America. Middle East: Sunday, November 25 - 2007 at 06:52. (AME Info)
FAO Says Rift Valley Fever Could Spread Nov 25, 2007
A trusted source of newsand information since 1942 (Voice of America)
WHO reports fever killed 164 in Sudan Nov 23, 2007
GENEVA - An outbreak of Rift Valley Fever in Sudan has killed 164 people, the World Health Organization said yesterday. Rift Valley Fever is normally a mild disease in humans with a fatality rate of about 1 percent. (Boston Globe)
Rift Valley Fever death toll climbs to 164 in Sudan Nov 23, 2007
GENEVA, Nov 22 (Reuters) - The death toll from a Rift Valley Fever outbreak in Sudan has climbed to 164 out of 451 people stricken by the disease spread by infected animals, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday. In a statement, The United Nations agency urged community and religious leaders to ensure that herders and farmers who are at greatest risk know measures to take so as to avoid infection. (AlertNet)
Rift Valley fever outbreak kills 100 in Sudan Nov 17, 2007
An outbreak of Rift Valley fever has killed up to 100 people in Sudan and is threatening the lives of many more. For humans, contracting Rift Valley fever is often fatal, as there is no effective vaccine and the disease is easily spread from animals to people. (ABC Online)
Sudan: 96 Now Dead from Rift Valley Fever Nov 16, 2007
com: Sudan: Outbreak of Rift Valley Fever Continues to Grow - UN Health Agency (Page 1 of 1) ... Sudan: Outbreak of Rift Valley Fever Continues to Grow - UN Health Agency ... The number of confirmed cases and deaths from the outbreak in Sudan of the viral haemorrhagic disease known as Rift Valley Fever (RVF) continues to rise, the United Nations World Health Organization reports, but authorities are stepping up measures to try to contain its spread. (allAfrica.com)
Rift Valley Fever deaths in Sudan Nov 16, 2007
Rift Valley Fever has killed nearly 100 people in Sudan since reports of an outbreak surfaced a week ago, the UN World Health Organisation (WHO) says ... In its most serious haemorrhagic form, Rift Valley Fever can kill as many as half of those who contract it ... The incubation period of Rift Valley Fever ranges between two to six days and most patients die after developing haemorrhagic fever. (BBC News -- Africa)
Scores die in Sudan fever outbreak Nov 15, 2007
Rift Valley Fever has killed 92 people in Sudan since reports of an outbreak surfaced a week ago and it is still spreading, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says. The UN body has started holding daily meetings to monitor the spread of the disease, which has no effective human vaccine and can kill as many as half of those who contract it. (Aljazeera.Net)
Darfuris accused of beheading editor to be hanged Nov 11, 2007
Sudan on Saturday denied there were any confirmed cases of Rift Valley Fever in animals, after almost 250 human cases were recorded with a death rate of about 30 percent. REUTERS/Mohamed Nureldin (SUDAN). (AlertNet)
Sudan denies Rift Valley Fever in animals Nov 11, 2007
KHARTOUM, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Sudan on Saturday denied there were any confirmed cases of Rift Valley Fever in animals, after almost 250 human cases were recorded with a death rate of about 30 percent ... "(An) investigation team conducted an epidemiological investigation and surveillance and did not come across any clinical symptoms to indicate an epidemic of Rift Valley Fever disease," minister Gutluak Deng told reporters ... Journalists chided the ministers of health and animal resources for... (AlertNet)
NASA technology helps predict and prevent future pandemic outbreaks Nov 7, 2007
The use of remote sensing technology aids specialists in predicting the outbreak of some of the most common and deadly infectious diseases today such as Ebola, West Nile virus and Rift Valley Fever. The ability of infectious diseases to thrive depends on changes in the Earths environment such as the climate, precipitation and vegetation of an area. (EurekAlert!)
Rift Valley Fever kills 60 people in Sudan--WHO Nov 3, 2007
GENEVA, Nov 2 (Reuters) - An outbreak of Rift Valley Fever in Sudan has struck at least 125 people, killing 60 of them, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Friday. The United Nations health agency said two weeks ago that it was investigating a deadly outbreak in Sudan suspected to be yellow fever, but laboratory tests have shown it was Rift Valley Fever, WHO spokesman John Rainford said ... Rift Valley Fever virus, transmitted by contact with the blood or organs of infected animals, can... (AlertNet)
Warming and health effects Oct 18, 2007
He noted that in Africa an increase in Rift Valley Fever has been documented. This disease affects animals and people. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Kenya Says Rift Valley Fever Returns, Two Dead Sep 21, 2007
NAIROBI - Rift Valley fever has killed two women in Kenya, the government said on Thursday, raising fears of another outbreak of the disease that claimed more than 150 lives earlier this year ... "This is not an Ebola outbreak, it is Rift Valley fever," government spokesman Alfred Mutua told reporters in Nairobi ... Transmitted to humans by mosquito bites or close contact with contaminated animals, Rift Valley fever can cause havoc in Kenya's important meat trade. (Planet Ark, United States)
Winnipeggers to fight Ebola Sep 17, 2007
Earlier this year, Feldmann led a team of Canadian scientists to help control an outbreak of Rift Valley fever in northeast Kenya. The mobile lab has also been deployed in Angola, where a team helped contain an outbreak of the deadly Marbug virus in 2005. (Canoe.ca)
CalSurv: One-Stop Shopping for Vectorborne Disease Surveillance in Californ Davis, Sep. 14 Sep 15, 2007
Another feature: CalSurv can alert Web users to future vectorborne diseases, such as Rift Valley fever, a mosquito-borne disease that infects livestock and humans. Primarily found in the cattle and sheep-raising regions of southern and eastern Africa, the disease could easily emerge here, just as the West Nile virus did in 1999, scientists say. (University of California Newswire, CA)
Lab for feared animal disease on mainland? Aug 29, 2007
Homeland Security says the NBAF would conduct research on highly contagious diseases, like foot-and-mouth disease and swine fever, along with two diseases that can spread to humans from animals, Rift Valley Fever and Japanese encephalitis. Todays. (MSNBC -- Health)
U.S. seeks home for research on fearsome diseases Aug 28, 2007
Homeland Security says the NBAF would conduct research on highly contagious diseases, like foot-and-mouth disease and swine fever, along with two diseases that can spread to humans from animals, Rift Valley Fever and Japanese encephalitis. "Today's ... labs are extremely safe," said the spokesman, Larry Orluskie. (Scientific American)
Study says biolab not a threat to S. End Aug 24, 2007
One of the diseases evaluated, Rift Valley fever, might actually present more of a threat in the less-developed areas, the report says. That mosquito-borne disease could spread more easily in remote locations where such virus carriers as livestock are more common. (Boston Globe)
Do sunspots foretell heavy rains and disease? Aug 18, 2007
That knowledge, in turn, may provide a crucial head start to those working to limit fallout such as erosion, flooding and mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and Rift Valley Fever ... Rift Valley Fever epidemics, for example, are commonly associated with unusually heavy rainfall and all eight of Kenyas outbreaks over the past 50 years have coincided with upward shifts in the level of Lake Victoria. (MSNBC -- Environment)
East Africa: Heavy Rainfall Tied to Sunspot Cycles Aug 10, 2007
Because sunspot activity peaks in an approximately 11-year cycle, the researchers believe this information could give authorities an idea of when to prepare for major outbreaks of malaria and Rift Valley fever ... "We hope that people who have the know-how and the resources to deal with outbreaks of Rift Valley fever, malaria, and cholera as well as with possible flood-damage to infrastructure can benefit from advance warning," Stager told SciDev. (AllAfrica.com)
Link between sunspots, rain helps predict disease in east Africa Aug 8, 2007
Because mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects thrive in wet conditions, heavy rains may herald outbreaks of diseases such as Rift Valley Fever. The research relied on rainfall data going back a century. (EurekAlert!)
Sunspot abundance linked to heavy rains in East Africa Aug 6, 2007
With the help of these findings, we can now say when especially rainy seasons are likely to occur, several years in advance," says paleoclimatologist and study leader Curt Stager of Paul Smith's College in Paul Smiths, New York. Forewarned by such predictions, public health officials could ramp up prevention measures against insect-borne diseases long before epidemics begin, he adds. The sunspot-rainfall analysis is scheduled to appear on 7 August in the Journal of Geophysical Research ... (EurekAlert!)
Is that steak or bushmeat? Jul 13, 2007
Anthrax and the hemorrhagic disease Rift Valley fever are also risks to people who are exposed to dead infected animals or eat tissue from infected animals. The problem is not limited to Africa, either: In southern China, authorities have cracked down on a burgeoning illegal civet trade to prevent an outbreak of SARS. Civets, mongoose-like animals, are considered a delicacy in China and are suspected of spreading severe acute respiratory syndrome to humans. (Globe and Mail -- International)
In East Africa, your beef may be 'bushmeat' Jul 12, 2007
Anthrax and the hemorrhagic disease Rift Valley fever are also risks to people who are exposed to dead infected animals or eat tissue from infected animals. The problem isn't limited to Africa, either: In southern China, authorities have cracked down on a burgeoning illegal civet cat trade to prevent an outbreak of SARS. Civet cats, mongoose-like animals, are considered a delicacy in China and are suspected of spreading severe acute respiratory syndrome to humans. (CNN -- World)
Kenya Arrests 13 in Crackdown on Wildlife Crime Jul 10, 2007
"The un-inspected meat has a very high risk of transmitting diseases like anthrax and Rift Valley Fever," KWS said. REUTERS NEWS SERVICE. (Planet Ark, United States)
* World News Quick Take Jul 9, 2007
"This is a big threat to human consumption," Udoto said, citing the risk of anthrax and the hemorrhagic sickness Rift Valley fever. "It has not been inspected by veterinary officials.". (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
UN official visits Somali capital Jun 9, 2007
Secondary Navigation. By MOHAMED OLAD HASSAN, Associated Press Writer 1 hour, 10 minutes ago. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
Tanzania: Rift Valley Fever Death Toll Rises May 11, 2007
Authorities in Tanzania are still struggling to control an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF), a highly contagious viral disease that infects livestock and humans, which has spread to 10 of the country's administrative regions in four months and killed more than 100 people. The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday that 264 human cases of RVF had been reported in Tanzania between mid-January and 3 May, with 109 of the patients having died. (allAfrica.com)
Rift Valley Fever spreads, threatens livelihoods, diet May 9, 2007
Rift Valley Fever (RVF), an acute, fever-causing viral disease that affects livestock and humans, that was initially reported in Manyara, Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions of northern Tanzania has spread to the country s central Dodoma region, where it continues to cause human and animal deaths and threaten pastoralist livelihoods. The disease has claimed 34 human lives. (AlertNet)
Create a new era for global health security Apr 30, 2007
o Tome and Principe; helping to control Rift Valley Fever in a Kenyan refugee camp near Somalia; and, most recently, offering medical relief to earthquake victims on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. In order to play a more active role in global health-care activities, Taiwan founded the organization Taiwan International Health Action (TaiwanIHA) in 2006, in a bid to use a more proactive and efficient approach to promoting international health cooperation with other countries and international... (Orlando Sentinel -- Opinion)
Rift Valley Fever Mar 25, 2007
Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania. I recently returned from Tanzania having spent two weeks in Arusha. (Suite101.com)
Tanzania: Rift Valley Fever Spreads, Death Toll Up Mar 21, 2007
An outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) has killed 16 people and infected at least 100 in Tanzania, spreading to more regions, Health Minister David Mwakyusa said on Tuesday. Mwakyusa said the central region of Dodoma was the worst affected by the mosquito-borne illness, which spreads from infected livestock to humans. (allAfrica.com)
Extra Tanzania nurses for fever Mar 21, 2007
Tanzania has called up student nurses and redeployed others to battle an outbreak of deadly Rift Valley Fever. Sixteen people have died since the start of Tanzania's first outbreak in nearly a decade, officials say. (BBC News -- Africa)
Somalia: Up to 40,000 Civilians Flee Mogadishu Mar 16, 2007
According to the agencies, other factors could aggravate food security, including continued localised conflict, concern over Rift Valley Fever, which is still unconfirmed, and associated potential flooding. An increase in acute watery diarrhoea had also been reported, with a total of 3,633 cases throughout southern Somalia so far, including 143 deaths. (allAfrica.com)
KENYA: Inadequate rainfall could aggravate food insecurity Mar 15, 2007
Floods after the excessive October-December 2006 short rains led to the outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF), a mosquito-borne disease that affects both livestock and humans. Arid Northeastern Province was the worst affected, with livestock keepers there suffering loss of income and food shortages after the government banned the slaughter and movement of livestock in a bid to control the disease. (AlertNet)
Climate change pushes 'African' diseases north-expert Mar 11, 2007
If Kenya's Rift Valley Fever also reached Europe, the impact would be immense, he said ... "Wait until something like Rift Valley Fever arrives, that brings death with it as well.". (AlertNet)
Tanzania: Vaccination Against Rift Valley Fever Underway Mar 5, 2007
Distribution of vaccines against the Rift Valley Fever (RVF) has started in infected areas according to the Minister for Livestock Development, Mr Anthony Diallo ... It is caused by what is known as the Rift Valley fever virus. (allAfrica.com)
Rift Valley Fever in northern Tanzania threatens pastoral recovery Feb 25, 2007
Rift Valley Fever (RVF), an acute, fever-causing viral disease that affects livestock and humans, has broken out in northern Tanzania, causing human and animal deaths and threatening pastoralist livelihoods. Response activities and control measures by the Ministry of Livestock, Ministry of Health, local government and local non-governmental organizations are underway, but livestock death and quarantine measures will prevent pastoralists from benefiting from recent good rains and resultant good... (AlertNet)
Temperatures, health concerns rise Feb 25, 2007
He had long ago left his home to study the great plagues of Africa -- Rift Valley fever, malaria, cholera and others. The appearance of malaria in the highlands, however, was a mystery worth returning home for. (SunSpot.net)
Ethiopia says free from deadly Rift Valley fever Feb 21, 2007
ADDIS ABABA, Feb 20 (Reuters) - Ethiopia on Tuesday said there was no evidence its livestock had been infected by Rift Valley Fever, which has killed nearly 140 people in neighbouring Kenya ... "Despite the ban imposed by UAE, which has affected our livestock market, no threat of Rift Valley Fever has been detected anywhere within the country," said Amsalu Demisse, acting head of the Agriculture Ministry's veterinary department ... Untreated, Rift Valley Fever can cause severe bleeding,... (AlertNet)
Tanzania: Fear Grips Town As Rift Valley Fever Spreads Feb 19, 2007
The Rift Valley Fever (RVF) which reportedly has hit several parts of northern Tanzania after dwelling a heavy toll in Kenya has already meted out a devastating blow to Arusha's residents lives. Not only are people living in constant fear for their health but they now also have a limited choice of what and where to eat. (allAfrica.com)
World Briefings: Weather patterns tied to disease outbreaks (Maria Cheng) Feb 19, 2007
Health officials were able to reduce the effects of an outbreak in Kenya of Rift Valley fever, a deadly hemorrhagic fever, after NASA scientists noticed exceptionally warm sea temperatures and elevated rainfall in East Africa four months ago ... Rift Valley fever is not the only disease affected by weather. (Washington Times, DC)
Tanzania: Concern As Viral Fever Spreads Feb 13, 2007
After reports that two people in the northern region of Arusha had died of Rift Valley Fever (RVF), the government on Thursday announced measures to curb the spread of the viral disease, including a ban on the movement of cattle and other livestock between Kenya and Tanzania. "What's gone wrong with our society [that] dangerous and highly contagious diseases continue to attack us?" asked Mwanamkasi Subira, a food vendor in Dar es Salaam, the country's commercial capital. (allAfrica.com)
Menkhaus: Somalia Feb 12, 2007
Worse still, Rift Valley fever has recently resurfaced in southern Somalia and Kenya, a turn of events which could have devastating impact on livelihoods for the next several years. . (Zmag.org)
There and Back Again in Somalia Feb 12, 2007
Worse still, Rift Valley fever has recently resurfaced in southern Somalia and Kenya, a turn of events which could have devastating impact on livelihoods for the next several years. Refugee flows out of Somalia were temporarily slowed somewhat by the floodwaters, but appear to be on the increase again, as Somali families flee a combination of war, criminal violence, political insecurity and natural disasters. (Middle East Report Online)
Four hospitalized in N.Tanzania for suspected RVF infection Feb 11, 2007
Four people have been hospitalized in a north n hospital for fear of having contracted the Rift Valley Fever disease, according to reports on Saturday ... In 1998, the Rift Valley Fever broke out in Arusha following a similar outbreak in Kenya and the disease killed at least 10 people between January and March that year ... The Rift Valley Fever is a viral disease that affects mainly animals such as cattle, buffalo, sheep and goats. (People's Daily Online, China)
Uganda:Govt Prepares for Rift Valley Fever Feb 8, 2007
com: Uganda: Govt Prepares for Rift Valley Fever (Page 1 of 1) ... Uganda: Govt Prepares for Rift Valley Fever ... THE Government is leaving nothing to chance in the prevention of the infectious Rift Valley Fever. (allAfrica.com)
Farmers And Meat Eaters in Panic Feb 8, 2007
The deadly Rift Valley Fever, which has so far claimed some 140 lives, has driven mortal fear into the hearts of meat consumers. A butcher examines his stock at Kiamaiko slaughter house, Nairobi, yesterday. (allAfrica.com)
Nomads important to ecomonies, trade - study Feb 8, 2007
The death toll from a major outbreak of Rift Valley Fever in Kenya has risen to 139 and the highly-contagious disease has spread to neighbouring Tanzania, authorities said on Tuesday. . (AlertNet)
