The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in Mauritania and Senegal has killed 42 people and infected more than 400 others over the past six weeks.
According to a WHO update released on Wednesday, national health authorities in both countries recorded a total of 404 confirmed human cases of the mosquito-borne viral disease between September 20 and October 30.
Mauritania has reported the majority of cases, while Senegal has also recorded several infections linked to cross-border livestock movements.
RVF is a viral zoonotic disease that primarily affects animals such as cattle, goats, and sheep but can spread to humans through contact with infected animal fluids or bites from infected mosquitoes.
Severe cases in humans can lead to hemorrhagic fever, liver failure, or death.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
