Abstract:
Background: Rift valley fever (RVF) is a re-emerging viral vector-borne disease with rapid global socio-economic
impact. A large RVF outbreak occurred in Tanzania in 2007 and affected more than half of the regions with high
(47 %) case fatality rate. Little is known about RVF and its dynamics. A cross sectional study was conducted to
assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding RVF in Kongwa and Kilombero districts, Tanzania.
Methods: We conducted a cross sectional survey among a randomly selected sample of individuals in 2011. We
administered questionnaires to collect data on demographic characteristics, knowledge on symptoms, mode of
transmission, prevention, attitudes and health seeking practices.
Results: A total of 463 community members participated in this study. The mean (±SD) age was 39.8 ± 14.4
years and 238 (51.4 %) were female. Majority of respondents had heard of RVF. However, only 8.8 % knew that
mosquitoes were transmitting vectors. Male respondents were more likely to have greater knowledge about RVF.
A small proportion mentioned clinical signs and symptoms of RVF in animals while 73.7 % mentioned unhealthy
practices related to handling and consumption of dead animals. Thorough boiling of milk and cooking of meat
were commonly mentioned as preventive measures for RVF. Majority (74.6 %) sought care for febrile illness at
health facilities. Few (24.3 %) reported the use of protective gears to handle dead/sick animal while 15.5 % were
consuming dead animals.
Conclusion: Our study highlights the need to address the limited knowledge about RVF and promoting appropriate and
timely health seeking practices. Rift valley fever outbreaks can be effectively managed with collaborative efforts of lay and
professional communities with a shared perception that it poses a serious threat to public and animal health. The fact
that this study was conducted in “high risk transmission areas” warrants further inquiry in other geographic regions with
relatively low risk of RVF.
