Proposed Systematic Approach to Prevent or Reduce the Resultant Outcomes of RVF Outbreaks: Using the Eastern African Countries Experience Tract

Objectives: Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV) is capable of spreading from endemic environments to vulnerable ecologies. The threats RVFV poses to the global public health and food security informed the proposed framework for outbreak prevention. Method: We reviewed all published, peer-reviewed literature, country reports, and relevant library database for information. Results: RVF epizootics/epidemics have occurred in Kenya (1910-2007), Tanzania (1930-2007), Sudan (1973-2010) and Somalia (1997- 2007) with varied frequencies and magnitudes. The undeniable role of ecology in the species diversity and distribution of RVFV vectors and the selection pressure it exerts on primary or secondary vectors during outbreaks at a given locality and time is highlighted. In spite of prediction lead period of 2-6 months for the 2006-2008 outbreaks, RVF induced human deaths were estimated at 230, 158, 144 and 51 in Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania and Somali respectively. The morbidity and mortality of livestock did not only disrupt the livelihoods, markets, and the meat industry of the people but also induced ban on livestock slaughter locally as well as International trade bans on the exportation of live animals from the Horn of Africa. Thus the coordinated inter- and intra-sectoral outbreak responses and disease mitigation strategies engaged to contain theses outbreaks had integral noticeable challenges. Conclusion: Appropriate and timely implementation of the proposed phase disease mitigation strategies would enforce the judicious use of scarce resources, ensure food security and drive behavioral change and promote appropriate vector control.