Rift valley fever history and symptoms

Rift valley fever presents with symptoms of fever, headache and weakness. The history given by the patient is significant for recent exposure to infected animals or recent mosquito bites. Symptoms usually begin to show 2-3 days after the exposure has occurred. In rare cases, the individuals may present with complications of Rift valley fever like yellowish discoloration of the skin or bleeding from mucosal sites.

• History:
  • Majority of patients have a self-limiting course of fever, so history will elicit complaints of high fever along with body aches.
  • Patients may also be recognized by inquiring about recent exposure to livestock.
  • Patients who are farmers may give history of their livestock being unwell, after which even they began to develop symptoms.
  • In rare cases, patient may indicate that the fever has returned and is not subsiding now. This should alarm the physician towards possibility of a complicated course of RVF for that patient.
• Common Symptoms
  • Fever
  • Body aches
  • Weakness
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Profuse sweating
  • Headaches
  • Bleeding from the nose

• Symptoms due to complications
  • Decreased vision
  • Pain behind the eye
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Spots in the visual field
  • Yellowish discoloration of skin
  • Blood in vomit, urine or stools
  • Body rash
  • Hallucinations
  • Disorientation
  • Paralysis

• https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/rvf/index.html

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