As the condition progresses, anorexia develops, weakness increases, muscle tissue decreases, and growth is retarded. Hepatomegaly occurs, kidney function decreases, and cardiac function is impaired. Edema is common and may mask other aspects of the disorder. Skin changes include dermatitis, changes in pigmentation, and changes in hair. Typically, hair is sparse, thin, and often streaked with red or gray color.
Immune function is decreased and infection is common and often is the cause of death.
A concern in both refugee camps and countries of second asylum, is the tendency of parents to overfeed when food becomes available. In contradistinction to anorexia or starvation, in cachexia, there is approximately equal loss of fat and muscle, significant loss of bone mineral content, and cachexia does not respond to nutritional supplements or increased intake. The incubation period is 3-5 days. Most people with RVF have no symptoms or a mild febrile illness with liver abnormalities. Others, however, develop a classic HF with weakness, fatigue, back pain, dizziness, and rapid weight loss.