In a follow-up on the Rift Valley fever (RVF) case increases on the archipelago of Mayotte, Santé publique France reports (computer translated) 63 confirmed cases of RVF  as of Feb. 21. No deaths have been reported.

Image/CDC
Image/CDC

Officials note that 26 cases (72%) were in direct or indirect contact with animals: 21 cases in direct contact with animals including 18 breeders (50%); 5 cases living near breeding.

5 cases reported not being in contact with animals and did not live near breeding.

15 cases reported consuming sometimes raw or curdled milk.

21 cases (58%) reside in the west-central communes of the island: Chiconi (10 cases), Tsingoni (6 cases), Ouangani (4 cases) and Sada (1 case).

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an illness that is primarily spread by direct contact with blood, fluids, or tissues of infected animals such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels. Less commonly, it can also be spread through mosquito bites.

Most people with RVF do not feel sick or have only mild illness. Symptoms of RVF include fever, weakness, back pain, dizziness, and weight loss. However, a small percentage (8%–10%) of people may have more serious illness, such as severe bleeding, swelling of the brain, or eye disease. Approximately 1% of people who get RVF die from the disease.