Virus Ecology

This graphic shows the ecological cycle for the Rift Valley Fever virus. Mosquitoes are both a reservoir and vector for RVFV, able to maintain virus for life and transmit it to offspring via eggs. After periods of heavy rainfall and flooding, an increased number of RVF virus-infected mosquitos may hatch and pass virus to humans and animals, producing disease. Humans become infected through mosquito bites and through direct contact with infected animal blood or tissue. Direct contact can occur during slaughtering of infected animals and veterinary procedures. No human-to-human transmission has been documented.