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Rift Valley Fever in South Sudan (Update 1)

13 Mar 2018

The World Health Organisation (WHO reports that the outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) is continuing to evolve in Eastern Lakes State. From 7 December 2017 to 9 March 2018, there have been 40 cases (4 deaths) in Yirol East (37 cases, 4 deaths) and Yirol West (3 cases, no deaths) counties.

Advice for Travellers

There is no commercially available human vaccine against this infection at present.

  • Travellers should be aware of the risk from livestock such as cattle, goats and sheep and avoid contact with ruminant animals, particularly if slaughter, butchering and birthing is taking place.
  • Travellers should avoid mosquito bites (particularly in rural and farming areas) by covering skin with clothing, using insect repellent on exposed skin and sleeping under a mosquito net impregnated with insecticide. 
  • Travellers should always refrain from consuming unpasteurised or uncooked milk and not partake of raw or undercooked meat that has not been properly verified. 

For further information see Rift Valley Fever.