An outbreak of Rift Valley fever in Northeastern Kenya, 1997-98.
In December 1997, 170 hemorrhagic fever-associated deaths were reported in Garissa District, Kenya. Laboratory testing identified evidence of acute Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). Of the 171 persons enrolled in a cross-sectional study, 31(18%) were anti-RVFV immunoglobulin (Ig) M positive. An age-adjusted IgM antibody prevalence of 14% was estimated for the district. We estimate approximately 27,500 infections occurred in Garissa District, making this the largest recorded outbreak of RVFV in East Africa. In multivariable analysis, contact with sheep body fluids and sheltering livestock in one s home were significantly associated with infection. Direct contact with animals, particularly contact with sheep body fluids, was the most important modifiable risk factor for RVFV infection. Public education during epizootics may reduce human illness and deaths associated with future outbreaks.
Woods
Christopher W
CW
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Woods004@mc.duke.edu
Karpati
Adam M
AM
Grein
Thomas
T
McCarthy
Noel
N
Gaturuku
Peter
P
Muchiri
Eric
E
Dunster
Lee
L
Henderson
Alden
A
Khan
Ali S
AS
Swanepoel
Robert
R
Bonmarin
Isabelle
I
Martin
Louise
L
Mann
Philip
P
Smoak
Bonnie L
BL
Ryan
Michael
M
Ksiazek
Thomas G
TG
Arthur
Ray R
RR
Ndikuyeze
Andre
A
Agata
Naphtali N
NN
Peters
Clarence J
CJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000097:blood; D007630:Kenya / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016851:Orthobunyavirus / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012295:Rift Valley Fever / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D007075:Immunoglobulin M