Public Health and Epidemiology: Open Access
Epidemiological Investigation According to the âOne Healthâ Approach of a Confirmed Case of Rift Valley Fever in the Ngaoundaye Health District in 2025 in the Central African Republic
Abstract
Kalthan Ernest, Mapouka A, Ngbangaie Mermoz T, Mbailao R, Pamatika Christian M, Bezo Max RE, Regongbenga Dama Marc F, Ngoi Falbang S, Namkoisse Mbakop Constant C and Amakade Woyengba Avilah P
Introduction Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a viral zoonosis that primarily affects domestic animals but can also infect humans. The aim of this work was to describe the RVF outbreak in time, space and person according to the ‘One Health’ approach in the Ngaoundaye district.
Materials and Methods This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study conducted from January 15 to 31, 2025. A multidisciplinary team as part of ‘One Health’, consisting of an epidemiologist, a specialist in animal health, and an entomologist, was deployed for the investigation. Data were collected through the administration of a questionnaire and the review of records. Blood samples were taken from suspected cases as well as from animals, and mosquito catches were performed.
Results A total of 64 suspected cases including one death, one confirmed case, and 120 contacts were recorded. Among 671 domestic animals examined, 237 (35%) were sick, including 2 that died. Out of 239 samples taken from pigs, goats, ducks, chickens, and cattle, the RVF virus was isolated in two out of 38 cattle (5%). The results of 810 specimens from captures and larval surveys were negative. The ages of the cases ranged from 7 months to 75 years, with an average age of 20 years. Thirty-two (56%) of the suspected RVF patients were female. Children under 10 years of age accounted for 40.4%. The clinical signs observed in suspects were intense fatigue, epistaxis, and fever, respectively 46%, 74%, and 93%.
Conclusion This crisis reminds us of the importance of environmental sanitation in the fight against diseases in general and the necessity of separating humans from animals. There is a need to organize transhumance to better manage the safe transportation of animals from one country to another. The investigation using the ‘one health’ approach has provided all the information about humans, animals, and the environment for responding to this disease.