Teams of scientists led by the WHO are in Saudi Arabia and Yemen to carry out extensive investigations, and assist in prevention and treatment efforts. At this time, the Health Ministries of Saudi Arabia and Yemen are implementing control measures against RVF, including the disposal of dead animals and insecticide spraying to destroy mosquitoes. Prior to these outbreaks, RVF, an acute viral haemorrhagic fever affecting domestic animals and humans, had occurred only on the African continent in the eastern and southern areas. Exposure can occur through the slaughtering and handling of infected animals or through the preparation of meat or ingestion of raw milk from infected animals. Symptoms of RVF can range from no symptoms, to a mild flu-like illness with the sudden onset of fever, to a more serious haemorrhagic fever in which encephalitis and eye diseases may occur.
Most individuals recover within two days to one week following the onset of illness.
There is no specific treatment for Rift Valley Fever, and no vaccine for humans. Therefore, personal protective measures remain the only means of prevention. The use of insect repellent on exposed skin is strongly recommended. Although the concentration of DEET varies from product to product, repellency rates are largely equivalent. If a reaction to insect repellent is suspected, wash treated skin and seek medical attention.