Cope warns communities on Rift Valley Fever infections

By Khanyisa Tabatha
08 April 2010

COPE in the Western Cape has urged the public to take steps to prevent the spread of the highly contagious Rift Valley Fever.

The party’s Alta van Zyl says in a statement people must prevent infection by being cautious with animal products such as raw fresh meat and milk as well as controlling mosquitoes as safe controls are not always in place.

“Mosquitoes spread the disease between animals after good rains and there are at present suspicions that it could also spread the same way to humans,” says van Zyl.

Van Zyl who represents the party in the provincial parliament says people should also take steps to prevent mosquito bites by wearing appropriate clothing, using deterrents or insecticides.

The highly contagious killer disease may cause blindness in one or both eyes and even death, according to the World Health Organisation.


People at high risk are those working on farms, veterinary staff and places of slaughtering where transfers from infected animals may occur.

Human infection usually follows after blood contact.