%0 Journal Article
%T The Re-Emergence of Rift Valley Fever in Mananjary District, Madagascar in 2021: A Call for Action.
%A Harimanana AN
%A Andriamandimby SF
%A Ranoaritiana DB
%A Randrianasolo L
%A Irinantenaina J
%A Ranoelison NN
%A Rafisandrantatsoa JT
%A Ankasitrahana MF
%A Raherinandrasana AH
%A Andriamahatana MV
%A Tantely ML
%A Girod R
%A Dussart P
%A Lacoste V
%A Randremanana RV
%J Pathogens
%V 13
%N 3
%D 2024 Mar 16
%M 38535600
%F 4.531
%R 10.3390/pathogens13030257
%X An epizootic of rift valley fever (RVF) was suspected on 21 February 2021 in various districts of Madagascar, with a lab confirmation on 1 April 2021. A cross-sectional survey aiming to detect cases of RVF in humans and to study the circulation of rift valley fever virus (RVFV) in animals was conducted from 22 April to 4 May 2021 in the district of Mananjary. Blood samples from cattle and humans were tested using serological and molecular techniques. In cattle, the circulation of RVFV was confirmed between 5 February and 4 May 2021. The positivity rates of anti-RVFV IgG and IgM were 60% and 40%, respectively. In humans, the circulation of RVFV was observed from 1 April to 5 May 2021. The positivity rate of RVFV was estimated to be 11.7% by combining the results of the molecular and serological approaches. Of the 103 individuals who agreed to participate in the survey, 3 were determined to be positive by RT-PCR, and 10 had anti-RVFV IgM. Among them, one was positive for both. Given that previous studies have reported the circulation of RVFV during inter-epidemic periods and the occurrence of outbreaks due to imported RVFV in Madagascar, our findings suggest the importance of strengthening RVF surveillance from a "One Health" perspective by conducting syndromic and risk-based surveillance at the national and regional levels.