Rwanda is escalating its efforts to combat a recent outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) among livestock, near the border with Tanzania. The outbreak has raised concerns about potential transmission to humans, reminiscent of the 2022 outbreak that resulted in over 20 human deaths and significant animal losses.
Urgent Need for Rapid Diagnostics
Disease specialists have emphasized that the absence of rapid diagnostic tests is a major impediment to controlling the spread of RVF. Edson Rwagasore from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre highlighted the necessity for immediate examination results, stating that current PCR testing methods take up to six hours. The lack of readily available rapid test kits is hindering early detection and timely intervention efforts.
Response Measures: Surveillance and Vaccination
In response to the outbreak, Rwandan health authorities have implemented a comprehensive strategy integrating both human and animal health interventions. Julien Niyingabira, head of communication at the health ministry, reported ongoing testing of individuals who may have come into contact with infected animals or their products. As of September 30, 2024, 28 positive cases had been identified in livestock, according to the Rwanda Biomedical Centre. A vaccination campaign is underway, with 8,410 of 32,999 (25%) of earmarked livestock in the affected area vaccinated against RVF since September 7, 2024, according to Fabrice Ndayisenga, who heads the Animal Resources Research department at the Rwanda Agriculture Board.
Human Vaccine Development
Currently, there is no licensed vaccine for human use against RVF. However, a promising vaccine candidate, ChAdOx1 RVF, developed on the University of Oxford’s ChAdOx1 vaccine platform, has entered Phase II human trials in Kenya. This vaccine has already demonstrated positive results in initial Phase I testing conducted in the UK. Jean Kaseya, director general of Africa Centres for Disease Control, noted that the Phase II trial in an endemic country is a crucial step in controlling the disease, offering hope to vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by climate change.
Lessons from the 2022 Outbreak
The 2022 RVF outbreak in Rwanda resulted in 173 human cases and 22 deaths. Investigations into the outbreak revealed that delayed screening and testing contributed to the disease's spread. These findings underscore the critical need for rapid and accurate diagnostic tools, as emphasized by Edson Rwagasore.
Future Directions
Experts stress the importance of continued vigilance, enhanced surveillance, and investment in research and development to mitigate the risk of future outbreaks. Capacity building in genomic sequencing analysis is also crucial for better understanding and tracking the virus. International collaboration and information sharing are essential for the development of RVF diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics.
