Overview
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an infectious disease caused by the Rift Valley fever virus, a type of virus called a phlebovirus. It is primarily an animal disease (called a zoonosis), meaning it mainly affects livestock like cattle, sheep, and goats — but it can spread to people. Humans usually get infected through contact with the blood, body fluids, or tissues of infected animals, or through bites from infected mosquitoes. It does not spread easily from person to person. Most people who get Rift Valley fever have a mild illness that feels like a bad flu — fever, muscle aches, and fatigue that go away on their own within a week. However, a small number of people develop serious complications. These can include eye problems that may cause lasting vision loss, a brain infection called encephalitis, or a severe bleeding disorder called hemorrhagic fever. These serious forms can be life-threatening. There is currently no approved antiviral treatment specifically for Rift Valley fever in humans. Care focuses on managing symptoms and supporting the body through the illness. Vaccines exist for animals and have been used in some humans in research settings, but no licensed human vaccine is widely available. Early medical attention is important for anyone who may have been exposed in an affected region.
Key symptoms:
Sudden high feverSevere headacheMuscle and joint painWeakness and fatigueBack painNausea and vomitingSensitivity to lightBlurred or decreased vision (in some cases)Confusion or disorientation (in severe cases)Unusual bleeding or bruising (in severe cases)Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice, in severe cases)Stiff neck (in cases involving brain infection)
Clinical phenotype terms (44)— hover any for plain English
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Rift valley fever.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Rift valley fever.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How do I know if my illness is mild or if I am at risk for serious complications?,Should I have my eyes checked even if my vision seems normal right now?,Are there any antiviral treatments you would consider for my case?,How long should I expect to feel unwell, and when can I return to normal activities?,What symptoms should make me come back to the emergency room immediately?,Is there any risk of spreading this infection to my family members at home?,Are there any vaccines or preventive measures I should take if I live or work in an area where this disease occurs?
Common questions about Rift valley fever
What is Rift valley fever?
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an infectious disease caused by the Rift Valley fever virus, a type of virus called a phlebovirus. It is primarily an animal disease (called a zoonosis), meaning it mainly affects livestock like cattle, sheep, and goats — but it can spread to people. Humans usually get infected through contact with the blood, body fluids, or tissues of infected animals, or through bites from infected mosquitoes. It does not spread easily from person to person. Most people who get Rift Valley fever have a mild illness that feels like a bad flu — fever, muscle aches, and fatigue that
How is Rift valley fever inherited?
Rift valley fever follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
Which specialists treat Rift valley fever?
6 specialists and care centers treating Rift valley fever are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.