Causes, Transmission, And Risk Factors Of Rift Valley Fever

At-Risk Occupations

Most human cases of Rift Valley fever are thought to be due to direct exposure to an infected ruminant such as goats, cattle, and sheep. Because of this, jobs which place workers close to livestock are considered at risk occupations. Slaughterhouse workers, veterinarians, laboratory workers, farmers, and herders were found to be among the most common occupations of patients who had contracted the virus. In June of 2018, a Ugandan cattle herder became ill with the hemorrhagic form of the disease and died five days later. Another fatality involving a Ugandan butcher was reported in 2018. A clinical history determined infection was a result of direct exposure from his occupation. In 2010, a veterinarian in Zaire contracted the illness after conducting post-mortem examinations of cattle. The vet's symptoms included photophobia (pain in the eyes on exposure to light), severe muscle and joint pain, and severe headache. In regions where the Rift Valley virus occurs, protective clothing for workers coming into contact with livestock is an important safety measure. Controlling mosquito vectors, monitoring epidemic flare-ups, and vaccinating herds will help to decrease the chance of infection.