Description of the situation
26 September 2000
Disease Outbreak Reported
The Yemen Ministry of Health has reported 113 human cases, including 30 deaths of suspected Rift Valley fever in Wadi Mawr, Al-Hudaydah Governorate in northern Yemen. 266 animal deaths have also been reported, mainly of sheep and goats but some cattle and camels have been affected. The first case occurred on 10 September.
The Minister of Health has formed an Epidemic Committee consisting of the Ministries of Health and Agriculture, and a team of international experts from WHO, the United States Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU 2 - a WHO Collaborating Centre in Egypt) and epidemiologists and laboratorians from Oman. An expert from The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) will be joining the team shortly.
A laboratory is being set up in the outbreak zone to analyse all human and animal samples collected there. The team will carry out further field investigations, entomological and ecological studies. They will also assist in implementing control measures, including case management and health education. The Yemen government has already established a Helpline for health workers and the general public.
There is a current outbreak of Rift Valley fever in Saudi Arabia in the area bordering Yemen (see previous report) and this acute haemorrhagic fever syndrome in Yemen may be related. Relevant government ministries in both countries are coordinating efforts to ensure a joint approach to outbreak investigations and response activities.