The disease was first recorded in 1894 and outbreaks of the disease occurred in eastern Africa throughout the 20th century, often resulting in famine.
Esimest korda kirjeldati haigust 1984. aastal, 20. sajandil on Ida-Aafrikas toimunud mitu haiguspuhangut, mis on tihtipeale toonud kaasa näljahäda.