Since February, 2010, a series of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) outbreaks have occurred in South Africa. As of May 3, 2010, a total of 172 RVF cases have been reported in the Free State Province, Eastern Cape Province, Western Cape Province, Northern Cape Province, and Northwest Province of South Africa. The outbreak has resulted in a total of 15 deaths. Most patients were infected through direct contact with infected farm animals or domestic animals. However, transmission through mosquitoes cannot be ruled out.

On April 17, 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a case of RVF in a German female traveler who had visited the Eastern Cape and Western Cape Provinces. The traveler had participated in a tour that visited the countryside and wildlife protection areas. The case took the tour with three other travelers. On April 7, the other travelers also reported similar symptoms.

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) advises travelers who plan to visit South Africa, especially farms and/or wildlife reserves in South Africa, to avoid contacting with animal tissues and blood. In addition, travelers are advised to avoid drinking unpasteurized milk and consuming undercooked meat. Furthermore, travelers are also advised to use mosquito repellent and bed nets to prevent mosquito bites.

RVF is classified as a Category 5 infectious disease in Taiwan. Transmission can occur via mosquito bites (and other biting insects) and direct contact with infected animals. Sheep, cattle, camels, horses, and donkeys can be infected amongst other species. 25 species of mosquitoes are considered vectors of RVF. The incubation period typically lasts 2 to 15 days. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and ocular disease (including conjunctivitis, photophobia, and retinitis). Encephalitis or hemorrhagic fever may also result.

In the past, Taiwan CDC has worked cooperatively with other countries to prevent the spread of RVF. From the end of 2006 to early 2007, a team of 10 officers from Taiwan CDC was sent to Kenya to help control outbreaks. In January, 2007, assistance was provided while working with the government of Kenya, the National Public Health Laboratory, and the U.S. CDC Reference Laboratories to monitor the disease and implement quarantine measures. Gifts of laboratory and medical-related materials were also provided to help with prevention and control of the disease.

For further information on international epidemics and control measures, please visit the Taiwan CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw. Questions can also be answered by calling the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline at 1922.