Risk factors for severe Rift Valley fever infection in Kenya, 2007

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2010 Aug;83(2 Suppl):14-21. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.2010.09-0293.

Abstract

A large Rift Valley fever (RVF) outbreak occurred in Kenya from December 2006 to March 2007. We conducted a study to define risk factors associated with infection and severe disease. A total of 861 individuals from 424 households were enrolled. Two hundred and two participants (23%) had serologic evidence of acute RVF infection. Of these, 52 (26%) had severe RVF disease characterized by hemorrhagic manifestations or death. Independent risk factors for acute RVF infection were consuming or handling products from sick animals (odds ratio [OR] = 2.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.78-3.61, population attributable risk percentage [PAR%] = 19%) and being a herds person (OR 1.77, 95% CI = 1.20-2.63, PAR% = 11%). Touching an aborted animal fetus was associated with severe RVF disease (OR = 3.83, 95% CI = 1.68-9.07, PAR% = 14%). Consuming or handling products from sick animals was associated with death (OR = 3.67, 95% CI = 1.07-12.64, PAR% = 47%). Exposures related to animal contact were associated with acute RVF infection, whereas exposures to mosquitoes were not independent risk factors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Animals, Domestic / virology
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kenya / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Rift Valley Fever* / mortality
  • Rift Valley Fever* / physiopathology
  • Rift Valley Fever* / veterinary
  • Rift Valley Fever* / virology
  • Rift Valley fever virus* / immunology
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral