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South Sudan declares Rift Valley fever outbreak in parts of Eastern Lakes State
South Sudan declares Rift Valley fever outbreak in parts of Eastern Lakes State
More haemorrhagic fever cases in eastern Sudan
November 19 - 2017 KASSALA
Medical sources report an increasing incidence of haemorrhagic fever in Kassala in eastern Sudan. Three deaths were reported at Kassala hospital in early November.
...
Medical sources report an increasing incidence of haemorrhagic fever in Kassala in eastern Sudan. Three deaths were reported at Kassala hospital in early November, and doctors are frustrated by lack of government response.
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." -Nelson Mandela
GENEVA, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Three people in South Sudan have died of a suspected viral haemorrhagic fever and 60 of their contacts are being monitored for any infection, the World Health Organization said on Monday.
The second article states that the deaths occurred in December. But the first article was already posted on November 22, 2017. So it's not clear whether these are the same outbreak, or whether one of the articles is incorrect.
On 28 December 2017, a cluster of three suspected viral haemorrhagic fever
cases from Yirol East county, in the Eastern Lakes State, was reported to the
National Ministry of Health and WHO. The putative index case was a 30 yearold
pregnant female who became ill on 7 December 2017 with fever, headache,
neck pain, and sudden nose, gum, and injection site bleeding. She was
admitted to a health facility the same day and was transferred to a private clinic
8 days later after no improvement in symptoms. She was treated at the clinic
for malaria and typhoid fever over 4 days and died at home on 19 December
2017 after her symptoms worsened. The second case, a 13 year-old female
from the same village as the first case, became ill on 20 December 2017 with
headache, joint and neck pain, fever, generalized swelling of the joints, and
bleeding from the nose and gums. She died at home on 26 December 2017
after developing bleeding from skin blisters. The third case, a 15 year-old male
from the same village as the first two cases, became ill on 24 December 2017
with headache, fever, sweating, neck pain, nose and gum bleeding, vomiting
of blood, convulsions, and loss of consciousness. He died at home on 27
December 2017 after failing to respond to treatment at a private clinic.
A preliminary investigation conducted by the county, state, and national
Ministries of Health, Doctors with Africa (CUAMM), and WHO found that all
patients were epidemiologically linked by time (onset of illness between weeks
49 and 51) and place (residence in the same village). There was no history of close physical contact between the cases and no cases had a notable travel
history. No samples were collected from the cases and supervised burials were not performed. No symptoms were reported among the close contacts of
the cases during the course of their clinical illnesses or since their deaths. Sixty contacts were identified and are being followed up by a surveillance team
comprised of Ministry of Health and WHO staff. The investigation found evidence of zoonotic haemorrhagic illness, including two abortions among goats and
sheep, and eight goat deaths with evidence of extensive hemorrhage, and one ill cow. Deaths among wild birds were also reported during the time that the
cluster of cases was detected.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
National and state multi-sectoral taskforces have been activated to coordinate investigations and response activities.
National and state rapid response teams have been deployed to conduct epidemiological and laboratory investigations of the cases. This includes active
case finding, sample collection and monitoring of contacts, and training of health workers in case identification, infection prevention and control, and
provision of supportive care.
The Ministry of Health has engaged the Ministry of Animal Health Resources and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to
work with the national taskforce in conducting animal health investigations and implementing containment measures.
An outbreak response plan is being developed to guide the investigation and response activities, including the mobilization of stakeholders and resources
to control the outbreak. A multi-sectoral coordination mechanism is planned, including public health, animal heath, entomological, and laboratory
surveillance, a risk communication and social mobilization strategy, and case management including infection prevention and control guidance.
SITUATION INTERPRETATION
The outbreak of suspected viral haemorrhagic fever in South Sudan could rapidly evolve, and critical information including laboratory confirmation of the
etiology of disease is needed to direct response efforts. Strengthened surveillance in affected human and animal populations is needed to facilitate rapid
detection of human and animal cases and response; strengthened capacity to clinically manage any new cases is also needed in the affected area.
Last edited by sharon sanders; January 9, 2018, 11:42 AM.
Reason: added pdf link
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." -Nelson Mandela
Either this outbreak started a month before official notification to WHO which means it could be much more extensive, or the MoH lied to WHO about the timing.
I have saved a screen shot of the article in post 1 in our archives before it disappears.
South Sudan investigates the suspected Viral Haemorrhagic Fever outbreak in Yirol East, Eastern Lakes State
Juba, 10 January 2018 Following a report of suspected viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) outbreak in Thonabutkok village, Yirol East County on 28 December 2017, a multi-sectoral response in the context of one health was launched by the Ministry of Health, WHO and other experts from the human and animal health for an in-depth investigation to establish the cause of deaths in three people as well as reported deaths and abortions in domestic animals and wild birds.
The team followed up close contacts of the three deaths and monitored them for any signs and symptoms of VHF. So far no close contacts on follow-up have developed any symptoms. In addition blood samples were drawn from humans and animals to analyse the possible causes of the suspected VHF outbreak.
Thanks to the swift multi-sectoral response to this outbreak, laboratory investigations have revealed that all the seven samples from the humans have tested negative for VHF including Ebola, Marburg, Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever, Rift Valley Fever and Sosuga viruses, says Dr Argata Guracha, the Officer in Charge for WHO South Sudan.
The Ministry of Health with support from WHO and partners continued to investigate and monitor the situation at all levels, says Dr Guracha. In light of the increasing risk of emerging and re-emerging disease outbreaks and epidemics, WHO with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and the Government of Japan, strengthened epidemic preparedness and response through building the capacity of multidisciplinary experts drawn from line ministries and partners to respond to such events, Dr Guracha emphasized.
To strengthen animal and public health surveillance, WHO supported the deployment of an additional team from the National Ministry of Health, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries to coordinate, monitor and supervise the response in Yirol East county. In addition, over 30 frontline health care workers were trained in case management and infection prevention and control (IPC). WHO also prepositioned medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) to support the response.
Besides, public awareness has been heightened to ensure that any person who has fever and bleeding and two or more other symptoms such as headache, vomiting and joint pains is immediately reported to the health facilities. Any deaths of people who developed high fever and bleeding should also be reported quickly to health authorities.
Haemorrhagic illness can be caused by a wide range of diseases including Rift Valley Fever, Crimean- Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue, as well as Lassa fever and Marburg.
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." -Nelson Mandela
WHO continues to closely monitor the outbreak of viral haemorrhagic fever
(VHF) in Eastern Lakes State, South Sudan. Since our last report on 5 January
2018 (Weekly Bulletin 1 of 2018) , two new suspected cases have been reported
and are being investigated. On 9 January 2018, one of the contacts of the initial
cluster of cases, an 18-year-old, 7-months pregnant female from Thonabutkok
village, developed chills, joint pains, headache, neck pains, and two episodes of
epistaxis. Further updates on this case will be provided.
During the week, a 14-year-old girl from Arwa village in Yirol West (adjoining
Yirol East where the initial cases originated) was admitted to a health facility
with fever and conjunctival injection. There was no epidemiological linkage
between this suspected case and the initial cluster of cases reported previously.
A blood specimen has been collected and shipped for testing.
As part of investigations to establish the etiology of the event, six human blood
samples were collected from close asymptomatic contacts and shipped to the
Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI). On 10 January 2018, all six samples
tested negative for Ebola, Marburg, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Rift
Valley fever (RVF), and Sosuga viruses by polymerase chain reaction. Follow up
serological analysis showed that one sample had high RVF IgM and IgG titres
and two other samples had high RVF IgG titres. A total of seven animal samples
(two from sheep, two from goats and three from cattle) were also obtained and shipped to UVRI for testing. The test results are pending.
On 28 December 2017, the South Sudan Ministry of Health reported a cluster of three severe haemorrhagic cases, epidemiologically linked by place (all
occurred in Thonabutkok village) and time (onset of illness occurred in epidemiological weeks 49 and 51). Nonetheless, there was no close physical contact
between them and no travel history. At least 60 contacts have been listed and are being followed up. There was also evidence of zoonotic haemorrhagic illness
among goats, sheep and cattle. One death was reported in a wild bird.
Outbreaks and Emergencies Bulletin, Week 3: 13 - 19 January 2018
Suspected Rift Valley fever South Sudan
13
Cases
3
Deaths
23.1%
CFR
EVENT DESCRIPTION
WHO continues to closely monitor the outbreak of suspected Rift Valley fever
(RVF) in Eastern Lakes State, South Sudan. Since our last report on 12 January
2018 (Weekly Bulletin 2 of 2018), six new suspected cases have been reported
and are being investigated. One suspected case, a 14 year-old girl from Yirol
West, has been excluded from national case counts based on negative PCR and
serology results. This week, a blood sample was collected from an 18 year-old
pregnant female who was a contact of one of the initial cases, and results are
pending. Results from blood samples collected from six other suspected cases
are also pending. Of seven samples collected from animals (two sheep, two
goats, and three cows), one sample collected from a sick cow showed high RVF
IgG titres indicative of previous RVF infection. The other samples were negative
for RVF on serology.
On 28 December 2017, the Ministry of Health of South Sudan reported a cluster
of three severe haemorrhagic cases, which were epidemiologically linked by
place (all occurred in Thonabutkok village) and time (onset of illness during
epidemiological weeks 49 and 51). There was no close physical contact between
the cases and no history of travel. Sixty contacts have been identified and are
being followed up. Goats, sheep, and cattle in the area also showed evidence of
zoonotic haemorrhagic illness. One death was reported in a wild bird.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
The national and state level multi-sectoral taskforces continue to coordinate investigations and response activities. The Ministry of Health continues to
convene regular multi-sectoral and inter-agency coordination meetings, with participation by the Ministry of Animal Health Resources and Fisheries,
WHO, FAO, Health Cluster and partners. The state level taskforce holds daily coordination meetings, with technical support from the national Ministry of
Health, the Ministry of Livestock, WHO, and partners.
A One Health multidisciplinary rapid response team led by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Livestock continue to support investigation and
response activities in Yirol East.
A multi-sectoral outbreak investigation and viral haemorrhagic fever response plan is to be finalized.
Two laboratories, the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) and Institut Pasteur Dakar (IPD), have been identified to conduct any further laboratory
testing required. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are on standby to support sample collection and testing.
US CDC shared generic RVF risk communication materials for adaptation to the South Sudan context, and UNICEF has drafted key risk communication
messages for affected communities, which have begun to be disseminated to mobilize communities.
There is no designated treatment centre for managing new suspected cases, but there are plans for one to be established. Adequate supplies of personal
protective equipment and sample collection kits are available to support current outbreak response needs.
Regular updates will be disseminated using situation reports and press releases as the situation evolves.
SITUATION INTERPRETATION
The suspected RVF outbreak in South Sudan should continue to be closely monitored. Despite insecurity in the area which impedes access, surveillance in
human and animal populations needs to be scaled up rapidly to detect new human and animal cases in a timely fashion, and continued support from partners
and international laboratories may be needed to support testing of animal and human cases. Clinical capacity to manage any new cases, with infection
prevention and control, should also be enhanced in affected areas. Although investigational findings available to date indicate that Rift Valley fever is the
etiological agent of this outbreak, more substantial confirmation is needed.
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." -Nelson Mandela
Source: https://reliefweb.int/report/south-s...republic-south Rift Valley Fever (RVF) Outbreak: Yirol East, Eastern Lakes State, Republic of South Sudan - Situation Report No. 4 as at 17.00 Hours; 21 January 2018
Situation update
? Since the last update (of 14 January 2018), five new suspect RVF cases have been reported in Yirol East. These include two males and three females aged 7-32 years, one of whom is still hospitalised in the treatment facility in Yirol East.
Their blood samples have been collected and are in the process of being shipped to Juba en route to Entebbe, UVRI for testing.
? As of 21 January 2018, a total of 15 suspect RVF human cases have been reported in Eastern Lakes State. Out of the 15 suspect human cases reported since 7 December 2017, three human cases have been confirmed, three died and were classified as probable cases with epidemiological linkage to the three confirmed cases, four were classified as none-cases following negative laboratory results for RVF, and laboratory testing is pending for the recent five suspect cases...
The outbreak of suspected Rift Valley fever (RVF) in Eastern Lakes State, South
Sudan, continues to be closely monitored by WHO and partners. Since our last
report on 19 January 2018 (Weekly Bulletin 3 of 2018), seven new suspected
cases have been reported from Yirol East County. As of 26 January 2018, two
are still hospitalized at a treatment facility in Yirol East. A total of 20 cases have
been reported, including three confirmed cases, three probable cases who died
and had epidemiological links to the confirmed cases, four classified as noncases
following RVF laboratory testing, and ten cases for whom laboratory
testing is pending at the Uganda Viral Research Institute (UVRI). This week,
samples from six cases tested negative for Ebola, Marburg, Crimean-Congo
haemorrhagic fever, RVF, and Sosuga viruses by PCR at UVRI. Serological
testing is ongoing. A total of three deaths have been reported. Since one animal
sample showed high RVF IgG titres indicative of previous RVF infection last
week, no new results of animal sample testing have become available.
On 28 December 2017, the Ministry of Health of South Sudan reported a cluster
of three severe haemorrhagic cases, which were epidemiologically linked by
place (all occurred in Thonabutkok village, Yirol East County) and time (onset of
illness during epidemiological weeks 49 and 51). There was no close physical
contact between the cases and no history of travel. Goats, sheep, and cattle in
the area also showed evidence of zoonotic haemorrhagic illness. Wild bird dieoffs
were reported in association with the initial cluster of cases, and there have been
continued reports of animal deaths in the outbreak area.
...
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." -Nelson Mandela
Source: https://reliefweb.int/report/south-s...public-south-1 Rift Valley Fever (RVF) Outbreak: Yirol East, Eastern Lakes State, Republic of South Sudan - Situation Report No. 6 as at 17.00 Hours; 2 February 2018
Since the last update (of 26 January 2018), six new suspect RVF cases have been reported in Yirol East. These include two males and four females aged 7-60 years, and clustered in Wonthow payam, Yirol East county. There are currently no suspect cases on admission.
The number of alerts have continued to decline in the week with the last alert that met case definition being reported on 25th January 2018. Three alerts were reported from 26th Jan to 27th Jan 2018 but they all did not meet the case definition. From 28th Jan 2018 to date, there have been no new alerts from all the areas under surveillance...
Information received on 08/03/2018 from Dr Jacob Maiju Korok, Acting Director General, Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Tourism, Animal Resources, Fisheries, Cooperatives, JUBA, South Sudan
Summary
Report type
Immediate notification
Date of start of the event
11/12/2017
Date of confirmation of the event
02/03/2018
Report date
08/03/2018
Date submitted to OIE
08/03/2018
Reason for notification
First occurrence of a listed disease in the country
Causal agent
Phlebovirus (Bunyaviridae)
Nature of diagnosis
Clinical, Laboratory (basic)
This event pertains to
a defined zone within the country
New outbreaks (1)
Outbreak 1
Wunthou, Lakes
Date of start of the outbreak
11/12/2017
Outbreak status
Continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit
Village
Affected animals
Species
Susceptible
Cases
Deaths
Killed and disposed of
Slaughtered
Cattle
2000
8
0
0
0
Sheep / goats
0
0
0
0
Affected population
There were a few cases of abortion in cattle herds observed after heavy flooding in November 2017, when swampy areas formed and the number of mosquitoes increased. No mortalities in cattle have been reported. During the investigation clinical signs, consistent with Rift Valley fever, were observed.
Summary of outbreaks
Total outbreaks: 1
Total animals affected
Species
Susceptible
Cases
Deaths
Killed and disposed of
Slaughtered
Cattle
2000
8
0
0
0
Sheep / goats
0
0
0
0
Outbreak statistics
Species
Apparent morbidity rate
Apparent mortality rate
Apparent case fatality rate
Proportion susceptible animals lost*
Cattle
0.40%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
Sheep / goats
**
**
-
**
*Removed from the susceptible population through death, destruction and/or slaughter
**Not calculated because of missing information
Epidemiology
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection
Contact with infected animal(s) at grazing/watering
Vectors
Control measures
Measures applied
Surveillance within containment and/or protection zone
Vaccination prohibited
No treatment of affected animals
Measures to be applied
Movement control inside the country
Quarantine
Control of vectors
Vector surveillance
Diagnostic test results
Laboratory name and type
Species
Test
Test date
Result
Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, South Africa (OIE Reference Laboratory)
Cattle
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
02/03/2018
Positive
Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, South Africa (OIE Reference Laboratory)
Sheep / goats
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
02/03/2018
Negative
Future Reporting
The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." -Nelson Mandela
Outbreaks and Emergencies Bulletin, Week 10: 3 - 9 March 2018
Rift Valley fever South Sudan
40
Cases
4
Deaths
10.0%
CFR
EVENT DESCRIPTION
The outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) continues to evolve in Eastern Lakes State,
South Sudan, with another county affected. As of 9 March 2018, a total of 40 cases
and four deaths have been reported from Yirol East (37 cases, 4 deaths) and Yirol West
(3 cases, no deaths) counties. Of these, a total of six confirmed, three probable, and
12 suspect RVF cases (with pending laboratory results) have been reported. Nineteen
suspected cases were considered as non-cases following negative laboratory results
for RVF. The majority of suspected cases have been women (57.1%), and individuals
aged 20-39 years make up the majority (72.2%) of cases.
In week 10, eight new suspected human cases were reported in Yirol East (five cases)
and Yirol West (three cases). Samples have been collected from these cases and seven
were shipped to the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) on 7 March 2018 for
laboratory testing. As of 9 March 2018, there were no cases hospitalized. During the
week, one human sample tested RVF IgG positive, bringing the cumulative number of
confirmed RVF cases to six (one RVF IgM and IgG positive and five IgG-only positive).
Test results from 21 animal samples (from livestock) that were shipped to South Africa
were released during the week; eight were RVF positive (three IgM-positive and five
IgG-positive), six samples were classified as suspect RVF cases based on IgG and
IgM serological titres, and seven samples were negative. Since the beginning of the
outbreak, a total of 28 animal samples have been tested, with nine classified as RVF
positive (three IgM and six IgG), six classified as suspected RVF (based on IgG and
IgM serological titres), and 13 classified as RVF negative. Goats, sheep, and cattle in the area have shown evidence of zoonotic haemorrhagic illness and abortions in
livestock, disease in cattle, and wild bird die-offs have been reported.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
In light of the confirmation of additional animal cases, a joint Ministry of Health and Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries press briefing is scheduled for 12 March
2018 to formally declare the outbreak in Yirol East county.
Investigation and response activities continue to be coordinated by a multi-sectoral task force that meets weekly at the national and sub-national (Yirol East) level.
On 6 March 2018, a high-level delegation led by the Minister of Health with participation of officials from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries,
WHO, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) visited Yirol East. The delegation was briefed on the outbreak and status of prevention
and response activities in Yirol East and other counties at risk.
State rapid response teams continue to investigate all new suspected RVF cases and are supporting the collection of samples to enable confirmatory laboratory
testing.
Surveillance for human and animal cases by community health workers and community animal health workers is ongoing.
Community mobilization, engagement, and sensitization activities are ongoing in Yirol East, Yirol West, and Awerial counties with support from the Yirol East
county health department, the Eastern Lakes State Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and Community Health and Development Organization (CHADO).
The development of a multisectoral RVF preparedness and response framework is ongoing.
SITUATION INTERPRETATION
The RVF outbreak in South Sudan continues to evolve, and the detection of suspected cases in a Yirol West county and confirmation of additional animal cases
underscores the need to strengthen RVF preparedness, surveillance, and response capacity in human and animal populations at risk. Support from the Ministry of
Health and Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, in collaboration with WHO, FAO, and partners will be needed to implement the necessary One Health interventions aimed
at containing the disease in livestock and reducing the risk of animal to human RVF transmission. Extended human and animal health and entomological investigations
into the event, and the finalization of the multisectoral RVF preparedness and response framework are urgently needed to guide activities in this area. Technical support
for the development of a long term RVF risk communication strategy is also needed, as such a strategy is a key component in reducing the risk of human RVF cases
in this population.
The WHO Health Emergencies Programme is currently monitoring 50 events in the region. This week’s edition covers key new and ongoing events, including:
Listeriosis in South Africa
Rift Valley fever in South Sudan
Lassa fever in Nigeria
Cholera in Uganda
Humanitarian crisis in Democratic Republic of the Congo
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." -Nelson Mandela
South Sudan declares Rift Valley fever outbreak in parts of Eastern Lakes State
Juba, 12 March 2018 The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries has declared a Rift Valley fever (RVF) outbreak today (12 March) in Yirol East, Yirol West and Awerial Counties of Eastern Lakes State.
The declaration was preceded by a joint high-level advocacy mission led by the Minister of Health, Dr Riak Gai Kok. The mission, comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), visited Yirol East on 6 March 2018 to consolidate response efforts and solicit more commitments by all stakeholders to contain the outbreak.
The RVF outbreak was first suspected in December 2017, following three deaths in humans with a history of severe hemorrhagic illness in Thonabutkok village, Yali Payam, Yirol East County, Eastern Lakes State. The initial case dated back to 7 December 2017. Abortions in goats and sheep; deaths/disease in goats and cows were also reported and epidemiologically linked to the human cases.
Following the reported cases and deaths, the Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries with support from WHO, FAO and other human and animal experts, launched a multi-sectoral response, in the context of one health, for in-depth investigations to establish the exact cause of the reported deaths and illness in humans and animals.
Laboratory tests conducted by the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) confirmed that six human blood samples out of 34 collected were positive for Rift Valley fever. Also, one of the initial seven animal samples tested at UVRI was positive for Rift Valley Fever. Furthermore, 8 out of 21 samples collected from animals tested positive for RVF at the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reference laboratory in South Africa.
From 7 December 2017 to 9 March 2018, a total of 40 suspected human Rift Valley fever cases have been reported in the Eastern Lakes State. These have been reclassified based on investigations and laboratory results, as six RVF confirmed cases, three probable cases, and twelve suspected RVF cases (laboratory results are pending). Nineteen cases were discarded as non-cases following negative laboratory results for RVF and other common causes of viral haemorrhagic fever.
Financial contributions from the European Union Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allowed WHO to deploy experts and provide technical and logistical support, said Mr Evans Liyosi, WHO representative a.i. to South Sudan.
WHO facilitated the establishment of a multi-sectoral rapid response to investigate and prevent further spread of the disease. WHO also moved to effectively coordinate the response and support State authorities with surveillance, risk communication, case management and logistics including prepositioning assorted medical supplies in Yirol East County.
A joint multi-sectoral contingency plan has been developed which will be fully rolled out in Eastern Lakes to ensure RVF is contained. This will involve intensified surveillance in both humans and animals, risk communication and case management.
RVF is a viral zoonotic disease that primarily affects animals, but also has the capacity to infect humans. People are infected with RVF virus through contact with blood, body fluids, or tissues of RVF virus-infected animals, mainly livestock. This direct contact with infected animals can occur during slaughter or veterinary procedures, like assisting an animal giving birth. Less commonly, people can be infected with RVF virus from bites of infected mosquitoes and, rarely, from other biting insects that have the virus on their mouthparts. Spread from person to person has not been documented.
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." -Nelson Mandela
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