Epidemiologic and Clinical Aspects of a Rift Valley Fever Outbreak in Humans in Tanzania, 2007

Authors:
  • PBPeter Bloland
    Peter Bloland
  • JPJanusz Paweska
    Janusz Paweska
  • SOSylvia Omulo
    Sylvia Omulo
  • NZNordin Zeidner
    Nordin Zeidner
  • WSWun-Ju Shieh
    Wun-Ju Shieh
  • SZSherif R. Zaki
    Sherif R. Zaki
  • PMPeter Mmbuji
    Peter Mmbuji
  • FMFausta Mosha
    Fausta Mosha
  • RKRaphael Kalinga
    Raphael Kalinga
  • JMJaneth Mghamba
    Janeth Mghamba
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Abstract
In January 2007, an outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) was detected among humans in northern Tanzania districts. By the end of the outbreak in June, 2007, 511 suspect RVF cases had been recorded from 10 of the 21 regions of Tanzania, with laboratory confirmation of 186 cases and another 123 probable cases. All confirmed RVF cases were located in the north-central and southern regions of the country, with an eventual fatality rate of 28.2% (N = 144). All suspected cases had fever; 89% had encephalopathy, 10% hemorrhage, and 3% retinopathy. A total of 169 (55%) of the 309 confirmed or probable cases were also positive for malaria as detected by peripheral blood smear. In a cohort of 20 RVF cases with known outcome that were also positive for human immunodeficiency virus, 15 (75%) died. Contact with sick animals and animal products, including blood, meat, and milk, were identified as major risk factors of acquiring RVF.

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