RECURRENCE OF RIFT-VALLEY FEVER IN EGYPT

Rift Valley fever (RVF) has been recorded in man and in domestic anima ls in Egypt after a 12-year absence. Human infections were first noted in the Aswan Governorate in late May, 1993. Only cases of ocular dise ase, an infrequent and late manifestation, were reported. Of 41 cases, 35 were tested serologically and 27 (77%) had RVF virus-specific IgM antibodies. An estimated 600-1500 infections occurred in the region. A bortions in cattle and buffalo were seen concurrently and antibodies t o RVFV were present in 39% of domestic livestock, presumably unvaccina ted. RVFV was isolated from an aborted water buffalo fetus.