Rift Valley Fever in Mayotte

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports that public health authorities have identified 19 cases of Rift Valley fever on the French island of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean from 11 December 2018 to 28 January 2019. Most cases are in the western part of the island.

Advice to Travellers

Rift Valley fever is very rare in travellers.

The risk is increased in those visiting an area experiencing a Rift Valley fever outbreak and having contact with infected animals/humans or their tissue, for example:

• Travellers visiting farms/game reserves.
• Veterinarians/veterinarian students.
• Volunteers/workers on farms.
• Laboratory staff/students.
• Health Care Workers.

Those at increased risk of RVFV infection should be advised to:

• Avoid direct contact with infected animals, animal tissues where possible, if this is unavoidable, personal protective equipment should be worn.
• Avoid drinking unpasteurised milk and consuming raw meat products.
• Practice good insect bite avoidance measures.

There is no licensed vaccine available for human use.

• Livestock vaccines have been developed and are in use in endemic regions.

For further information see Rift Valley Fever.