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Rift Valley Fever in South Sudan

29 Jan 2018

The World Health Organisation (WHO)  has reported an outbreak of Rift Valley fever in South Sudan. Fifteen cases (including 3 deaths) have been reported in Eastern Lakes State between 7 December 2017 and 21 January 2018.

Advice for Travellers

There is no commercially available human vaccine against this infection at present.

  • Travellers should be aware of the risk from livestock such as cattle, goats and sheep and avoid contact with ruminant animals, particularly if slaughter, butchering and birthing is taking place.
  • Travellers should avoid mosquito bites (particularly in rural and farming areas) by covering skin with clothing, using insect repellent on exposed skin and sleeping under a mosquito net impregnated with insecticide. 
  • Travellers should always refrain from consuming unpasteurised or uncooked milk and not partake of raw or undercooked meat that has not been properly verified. 

For further information see Rift Valley Fever.