Rift Valley Fever Outbreak during COVID-19 Surge, Uganda, 2021
Caitlin M. Cossaboom, Luke Nyakarahuka, Sophia Mulei, Jackson Kyondo, Alex Tumusiime, Jimmy Baluku, Gloria Akurut, Dianah Namanya, Kilama Kamugisha, Hildah Tendo Nansikombi, Alex Nyabakira, Semei Mutesasira, Shannon Whitmer, Carson Telford, Julius J. Lutwama, Stephen Balinandi, Joel M. Montgomery, John D. Klena, Trevor Shoemaker
Abstract
R ift Valley fever (RVF), a zoonotic mosquito- borne disease of livestock caused by Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), is endemic throughout most of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula (1,2). Humans can be infected with RVFV through contact with blood, body fluids, products from infected livestock, or bites from infected mosquitoes No human-to-human transmission has been documented (4). In humans, infections are typically asymptomatic or result in mild influenza-like illness (1). Severe illness, including hemorrhagic manifestations, occurs in 1%-2% of cases; the case-fatality rate among severe cases is 10%-20% (1,5). No approved human vaccine or specific treatment is available, but early supportive care may prevent complications and decrease death (1). In livestock, RVFV infection can cause abortions and high mortality, leading to substantial economic losses (1,6). We describe a fatal human case of RVF and the subsequent investigation and identification of 6 additional cases in Kiruhura District, Uganda, in 2021. We also note the role a COVID-19 surge played in delayed testing and patient care.