Rift Valley fever

a disease, caused by a VIRUS , that formerly mainly affected domestic animals and rarely human beings in sub- Saharan Africa. A widespread outbreak in Egypt in 1977, however, caused many fatalities, and it now poses a threat to people throughout the middle EAST. A new strain of virus of a more virulent type is thought to be responsible, and the infection is characterized by fever, muscle and joint pains, haemorrhages, headache, photophobia and loss of appetite. The virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes or by direct contact with the carcases of heavily infected animals. An effective VACCINE is available.