Clinical Research Directory

RVF and Other Emerging Infectious Diseases in East and Central Africa

Rift Valley fever (RVF), a disease transmitted from livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, camels) to humans more commonly occurs in the East and Central Africa (ECA) regions where more than 15 major epidemics affecting more than one country have been reported over the past 50 years. Within the region, there are specific areas, referred to as hotspots, which support RVF virus maintenance via low-level virus circulation between animals, humans, and mosquitoes. Most outbreaks originate from these hotspots. Our goal is to conduct studies in RVF hotspots in four ECA countries, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to determine the burden of RVF disease among humans, wildlife and livestock during inter-epidemic periods (IEPs) and discover circulation of undetected infectious diseases. This information is important for use in developing an early warning system and possibly a vaccination strategy. The study will take place in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Democratic Republic of Congo