There was a world-wide scare when avian flu broke out in Asia last year. In Kenya, where I reside, there has been a recent outbreak of Rift-valley fever, which has killed almost 150 people in less than four months. This is more than Avian flu has killed so far. While avian flu affects mostly birds, Rift valley fever affects animals like cows, goats etc.. Both are viral, and both at times infect humans. In either case, human fatalities on infection is not a must. Why isn't there a similar concern with Rift valley fever as there was with avian flu? Is one less virulent, or less dangerous than the other? What makes avian flu more dangerous?
2007-02-01 00:59:41 · 6 answers · asked by TiEL 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
Avian flu is a type of influenza virus whereas Rift valley is not. Rift valley is spread mostly by mosquitoes, as are many other diseases, and prevention takes the form of wearing repellant, light clothes, modifying outdoor behavior, etc.
Avian flu is transmitted by affected birds, and the only clues of its presence in birds is when the birds get sick and quickly die thereafter. By the time an outbreak among birds is noticed, there is a good chance that it has spread to humans.
The fatality rate for RVT is 1 percent, whereas for H5N1, 64 percent of those infected died last year.
FATALITY RATE, and TRANSMISSION is the reason why bird flu is so much more serious than Rift Valley fever.
2007-02-01 01:14:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We always have ours about October time as we are both on the "at risk" register due to heart complaints so as far as we are concerned it is worth it but do agree there are many different strains of 'flu so we've possibly been lucky up to now. When I had my very first jab some years ago I had the worst flu I had ever had,it completely wiped me out for over six weeks & I was a fitter woman in those days. Just editing this because we have just been called to make our appointments so will be having the jabs on October 6th.We have had the pneumonia one in the past but were both told that is for life,not an annual jab as others have been advised. Having had the dreaded shingles twice,both times from being near someone with chicken-pox, I wish there was a jab against that.It isn't true that you can only get shingles once,an aunt of mine has had it 9 times.
2016-05-24 01:34:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Information on Rift Valley Fever:
http://histopathology-india.net/rift_valley_fever.htm
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) : http://www.histopathology-india.net/Avian.htm
2007-02-01 04:58:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Birds can fly to other parts of the world and spread the flu.
2007-02-01 01:05:07 · answer #4 · answered by Randy G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
China gets more press than Africa for one. Also this viral disease if it does infects mammals the CDC might allready be aware of it and our animals are innoculated against it like many other diseases that 3rd world countries get its all about prevention. I just wish we could eradicate mosquitoes they cause more problems than they are worth!
2007-02-01 01:06:59 · answer #5 · answered by Tapestry6 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check out the Hanta virus.
2007-02-01 01:16:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋