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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Rift Valley fever: a review

John Bingham A and Petrus Jansen van Vuren B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL), 5 Portarlington Road, Geelong, Vic. 3220, Australia. Tel: + 61 3 52275000, Email: John.Bingham@csiro.au

B CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL), 5 Portarlington Road, Geelong, Vic. 3220, Australia

Microbiology Australia 41(1) 28-32 https://doi.org/10.1071/MA20008
Published: 3 March 2020

Abstract

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne viral disease, principally of ruminants, that is endemic to Africa. The causative Phlebovirus, Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), has a broad host range and, as such, also infects humans to cause primarily a self-limiting febrile illness. A small number of human cases will also develop severe complications, including haemorrhagic fever, encephalitis and visual impairment. In parts of Africa, it is a major disease of domestic ruminants, causing epidemics of abortion and mortality. It infects and can be transmitted by a broad range of mosquitos, with those of the genus Aedes and Culex thought to be the major vectors. Therefore, the virus has the potential to become established beyond Africa, including in Australia, where competent vector hosts are endemic. Vaccines for humans have not yet been developed to the commercial stage. This review examines the threat of this virus, with particular reference to Australia, and assesses gaps in our knowledge that may benefit from research focus.


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