What does "Rift Valley Fever Virus" mean?
Table of Contents
Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) is a virus that mainly affects animals, especially sheep and goats. It can cause serious disease in these animals, leading to significant economic losses for farmers. Humans can also get sick from RVFV, often through contact with infected animals or their body fluids.
Symptoms in Humans
People infected with RVFV may experience fever, headache, muscle pain, and, in some cases, severe complications like liver damage or bleeding. While many recover, the virus can be dangerous, particularly for individuals with weak immune systems.
Spread and Risk Factors
RVFV is mostly found in parts of Africa, where it is common during certain seasons of the year. Due to changes in climate and increased movement of people and animals, the risk of RVFV spreading to new areas is growing.
Prevention
Currently, the best way to prevent RVFV is through vaccination of animals in risk areas. Vaccines help protect livestock and can reduce the chances of the virus spreading to humans. Although there are effective vaccines for animals, there isn’t a licensed vaccine for humans yet.
Research and Development
Scientists are working on developing safe and effective vaccines for humans. Recently, researchers have focused on a new vaccine candidate that showed promising results in tests, indicating it might provide safety and immunity without causing significant harm to those who receive it. This is an important step in controlling the disease and protecting both animals and people.