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27 Sep 2000
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported an outbreak involving more than 150 human cases, including more than 40 deaths, since early September 2000 of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in the Jizan region of southwestern Saudi Arabia and Yemen near the border closest to Jizan.
RVF is a viral disease that affects livestock (cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, camels) and humans. The virus is transmitted by infected mosquitoes and by direct contact with the blood or body fluids of infected animals.
The incubation period (interval from infection to onset of symptoms) of RVF in humans varies from 2 - 6 days. Patients who become ill usually experience an influenza-like illness, with sudden onset of fever, headache, muscle pain and backache. Some patients might have neck stiffness, discomfort when looking at bright lights, drowsiness and vomiting. Patients usually recover within two days to one week after onset of the illness. However, in some patients the illness can progress to haemorrhagic fever, encephalitis (infection of the brain) or infection of the eye. Approximately 1% of humans that become infected with RVF die of the disease. No effective medication or vaccine is available.
In view of the outbreak of RVF in Saudi Arabia and Yemen, the public is advised to avoid travel to Saudi Arabia and Yemen for the time being. If travel cannot be avoided, travellers are advised to take personal protective measures to reduce the risk of mosquito bites as follows: use of an insect repellent containing DEET (N,N-diethylmetatoluamide), wearing long sleeves and pants, and the use of mosquito bed nets. Travellers should also avoid contact with livestock.
The Ministry of Health advises all returning travellers from Saudi Arabia and Yemen to look out for signs and symptoms of the disease and to seek immediate medical attention if they are ill. Doctors are advised to be on the look out for possible cases among returning travellers and to notify immediately all suspected cases of RVF to:
The Commissioner of Public Health
c/o Quarantine and Epidemiology Department
Ministry of the Environment
Environment Building #22-00
40 Scotts Road, Singapore 228231
Tel: 7319760, 7319761, 7319758, Fax: 7348287