Rift Valley virus


Rift Val·ley vi·rus

(rift val'ē vī'rŭs) Fever-causing virus originating in livestock in Africa and transmitted to humans causing many thousands of deaths in epidemics.

Rift Valley virus

A Phlebovirus that causes sporadic epidemics of hemorrhagic fever among humans and animals in Africa. It is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. See also: virus

Rift Valley,

section of Kenya where the virus was first discovered in the 1900's. Rift Valley virus - a virus of the genus Phlebovirus that occurs in central and southern Africa in sheep, goats, and cattle; humans may become infected with close contact with infected animals.