Rift Valley Fever In Saudi Arabia And Yemen

11 Oct 2000

The Rift Valley Fever (RVF) outbreak in Saudi Arabia and Yemen has infected more than 600 persons, including almost 100 deaths since early September 2000.

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 World Health Organisation, the Centers for Disease Control, USA and the National Institute of Virology in South Africa are providing assistance to control the spread of the disease, and the outbreak has been reported to be under control.

The Singapore authorities would like to draw the attention of Singaporeans travelling to Saudi Arabia and Yemen to the World Health Organisation's travel advisory. WHO has issued a travel advisory advising that persons can travel freely to and from both Saudi Arabia and Yemen, but as a precaution, travellers to affected areas in Saudi Arabia and Yemen are advised to wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers and use mosquito repellent and bednets. They should also avoid contact with sick livestock.