Rift Valley Fever in Mayotte (Update 1)
25 Feb 2019
Media quoting french public health authorities
report that the outbreak of Rift Valley fever in Mayotte continues, with 63 cases between late November 2018 and 22 February 2019. Most cases continue to be reported in the west of the island.
Advice to Travellers
Rift Valley fever is very rare in 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.