Rift Valley Fever

RVF is an acute viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes or contact. Clinical: fever, headache, myalgia, prostration, photophobia, leukopenia.

Common Symptoms

Bradycardia; retinal detachment; photophobia; myalgia

Causes and Pathogenesis

(1) Etiology: Phlebovirus (Bunyaviridae), spherical 80-100 nm with 5-10 nm glycoprotein spikes, 3 helical nucleocapsids, L/M/S ssRNA segments. Replicates in cytoplasm. Ether/deoxycholate/heat-sensitive; survives months at 4°C, long-term at -20°C; 56°C/3 h inactivated but serum virus may recover activity. (2) Pathogenesis: unclear—direct hepatocyte/endothelial injury plus immune factors. Pathology: widespread bleeding of skin/subcutis/viscera.

Treatment

TCM, supportive therapy, drug therapy

Preventive Measures

Mosquito control is key. Live attenuated vaccine used in humans/animals in South Africa; formalin-inactivated vaccine for high-risk vets (2+ years immunity). (1) Livestock vaccination before outbreaks. (2) Avoid contact with sick animal tissues/body fluids; cook meat/milk; mosquito control. (3) No human vaccine yet; personal protection during slaughter; mosquito repellent. TCM: no specific info.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Infectious Diseases department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.