Rift Valley Fever Risk Declared in Eastern Africa
The FAO and IGAD warn of increased virus transmission for people and livestock following forecasts of intense rainfall.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Diseases — General
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The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and IGAD have issued a disease risk alert for Rift Valley fever across Eastern Africa. The warning follows forecasts of intense rainfall and flooding, which can facilitate the spread of the virus to both animals and humans.
Why it matters
El Niño conditions are driving heavy rainfall in the region, creating ideal mosquito breeding habitats that increase the risk of viral transmission. Monitoring these environmental shifts is critical for early detection and preventing the disease from entering new areas.
The alert is based on an official regional disease risk assessment supported by three decades of data from the FAO-EMPRES program. The findings emphasize that while climate projections indicate significant flooding, the exact scale of future human and animal transmission remains unknown.
The players
Food and Agriculture Organization
A specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and monitors agricultural and zoonotic disease threats.
IGAD
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development is an eight-country trade bloc in Eastern Africa focused on regional stability and health security.
The details
Rift Valley fever is a viral disease that primary spreads through the bites of infected mosquitoes, which proliferate in the standing water left by heavy floods. The virus can also move through direct contact with infected livestock or the handling of their products, such as blood or raw milk. Because the disease can travel to new regions via the movement of infected animals, flooding that disrupts veterinary monitoring poses a major challenge to containing the virus.
Timeline
October 30, 2026: FAO and IGAD issued a regional Rift Valley fever warning.
1997-98: A major epidemic and epizootic of the virus occurred in the region.
Health Landscape
The current alert follows a pattern established by the 1997-98 Rift Valley fever epidemic, highlighting the recurring risks posed by extreme climate events. Modern veterinary surveillance now serves as a primary tool to mitigate the impact of zoonotic diseases in regions prone to flooding.
Individuals in the affected regions should minimize contact with livestock in flooded areas and avoid handling animal products from sick animals. Any concerns regarding potential exposure or unusual symptoms in livestock should be discussed with a local veterinarian or public health authority.
The takeaway
Rift Valley fever remains a significant health risk during periods of extreme flooding and high mosquito activity. Stay informed through local agricultural bulletins and consult a medical professional if you notice unexplained illness after contact with livestock or animal products.
Further reading
Learn more about identifying and managing global viral threats in our Diseases — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Sheep Site.
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