Abstract

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a viral zoonosis spread by mosquitoes. It was first discovered in Kenya in 1930, and since then, it has spread to many African nations and the Arabian Peninsula. Human infection can result in a wide range of clinical outcomes, from self limiting febrile illness to life threatening hemorrhagic diatheses and miscarriage in pregnant women. The RVF virus primarily infects domestic livestock (sheep, goats, cattle) resulting in high rates of neonatal mortality and abortion. RVF has been responsible for numerous outbreaks in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula since its discovery, with significant effects on human and animal health. However, the lack of licensed human vaccines or therapeutics limits options for controlling RVF outbreaks. The World Health Organization places RVF at the top of its priority list for urgent research and development of measures to prevent and control future outbreaks. The current understanding of RVF, including its epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and vaccine development status, are highlighted in this review.