Rift valley fever is a fever causing disease affecting the livestock and humans in Africa.  The disease is most common during heavy rainfall. The mode of transmission is through an infected mosquito (Aedes mosquitoes) and other bloodsucking insects. The disease is named after a trough stretching 4,000 miles from Jordan through eastern Africa to Mozambique.  The virus is in its inactive state within the eggs of an Aedes mosquito. The eggs of the Aedes mosquito hatches numerous amount of infected mosquito that feed on livestock causing the spread of the virus.  This occurs during heavy rains and floods. The occurrence of the disease in a large number of domestic animals is referred to as an “Epizootic”; its presence can lead to an epidemic in humans.   The disease can only be diagnosed through a series of laboratory tests. The treatment (Ribavirin drug) is still under studies for its efficacy against the Rift valley fever virus. There is still no available licensed vaccine or virus-killing medicine available for human use.  Mode of transmitting the disease: 1.      Exposures to the blood or other body fluids of an infected animal during slaughtering or handling of infected animals or even during food preparation. 2.      Laboratory workers become infected through airborne transmission while working on virus cultures or laboratory samples infected with the virus. 3.      People who sleeps outdoors without protection at night in areas where the epidemic occurs.  Signs and Symptoms to watch in Rift valley fever:  1.                  Flu-like illness with fever 2.                  Infected people usually get better in 2 days to a week after the onset of the illness. 3.                  Sometimes the virus can cause severe bleeding (hemorrhage), inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), or severe eye complication.  Complications can occur if left untreated: 1.                  Inflammation of the Retina (a structure connecting the nerves of the eye to the brain), Approximately 1% to 10% of affected persons might suffer from vision problems or partial blindness. 2.                  May lead to death. About 1% of the infected person die of the disease. Those who are malnourished, suffering with other diseases or far from medical care usually are the one leading to death.  Ways on the Prevention of Rift Valley Fever Virus:  1.                  Travelers to Africa are required to wear long sleeves or pants. 2.                  Using insect repellents or bed nets are advised to protect from mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects. 3.                    Special precautions for those working with animals in areas where the virus is present by avoiding exposure to the blood or tissues of potentially infected animals. By: YaHind Research Team