Infectious Disease In Developing Countries

Today, more people are at risk of infectious diseases than at any other time in history. Infectious diseases are a worldwide problem requiring worldwide attention. Infectious diseases can weaken the strength of a nation’s resources. In developing nations, this poses even a greater threat. Diseases are threatening the economic stability of many developing nations. 50,000 people die every day from the infectious disease. Rift Valley Fever infects both livestock and humans. Rift Valley Fever is most commonly found in regions of eastern and southern Africa. It also exists in Madagascar and sub-Saharan Africa. The Bunyaviridae family includes the Rift Valley Fever disease. It is primarily spread from infected mosquitoes, who then infect animals. Generally, they infect domestic animals, such as buffalo, cattle, sheep, camels, and goats. Once the livestock is infected, other mosquitoes can spread the disease. It is also possible that the infection can be spread from other biting insects.

The Rift Valley Fever outbreak of 1997-1998 in eastern Africa killed both humans and livestock. It economically hurt trade in animals and the dairy industry. the economy was crushed by trade embargoes. Humans can get Rift Valley Fever in numerous ways. Humans can be infected from the mosquitoes or the bodily fluids of the infected animal. Contact such as slaughtering the infected animal can occur also. Symptoms include influenza like illness, fever, liver abnormalities, muscle and back pain, and vomiting. In the early stages of Rift Valley Fever, these symptoms are sometimes mistaken for meningitis. This fever may also perceive itself to be a hemorrhagic fever. Fatalities occur mostly in patients who have developed a hemorrhagic fever. In diagnosing Rift Valley Fever, tests have demonstrated the presence of antibodies to the disease. Studies in animals have given antiviral drugs for the use of humans. Herdsman and animal workers in areas where Rift Valley Fever is present are at a greater risk of being infected.