Seventeen deaths have been reported from six regions of Mauritania, where the Ministry of Health (MoH) declared an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) on October 4.
From September 16 to 30, a total of 34 cases of persons infected with the disease have been reported, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a press release. The last such case was notified on October 27 from Magta Lahjar in the Brakna region. Assaba, Hodh Chargui, Hodh Gharbi, Tagant and Trarza are the other affected regions. All the cases had history of contact with animals.
In humans, 25 samples tested positive by ELISA and PCR at the National Reference Laboratory of the National Institute of Public Health Research (INRS) in Nouakchott and at the Institut Pasteur in Dakar. In the animal population, analysis conducted by the National Veterinary Research Laboratory shows virus circulation in several regions of the Western African country.
A multi-sector task force has been jointly established by the MoH and the Ministry of Rural Development to respond to this outbreak. WHO and partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), are working within the task force to strengthen epidemiological surveillance in both human and animal health, strengthen capacity in case management at health care facilities, strengthen health measures in slaughterhouses, and raise awareness among farmers.
A multi-sector investigation team has been deployed to conduct a detailed outbreak investigation among humans and animals in the affected areas. An international team of experts will be deployed to provide technical assistance from November 3 to 10.
This is the second outbreak of RVF that Mauritania is experiencing in two years.
WHO says it does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions in the wake of the RVF outbreak.
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