ARS | Publication request: Forecasting RVF Outbreaks-FineTuning a Model

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 31, 2007
Publication Date: November 1, 2007
Citation: Linthicum, K., Anyamba, A., Small, J., Tucker, C.J., Chretien, J., Breiman, R., Hightower, A., Njenga, M., Sang, R., Formenty, P., Richardson, J., Britch, S.C. 2007. Forecasting RVF Outbreaks-FineTuning a Model. Proc. of the ASTMH 56th Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, November 4-8, 2007, pg. 193.

Technical Abstract: An outbreak of Rift Valley Fever, causing severe illness in more than 600 people, resulting in more than 150 deaths, occurred in several locations in Kenya from November 2006 until early March 2007. The symposium (I and II) will review the epidemic and present findings from the multi-faceted investigation, which included epidemiologic and clincial investigations, economic impact, entomologic surveys, virologic/geetic studies, veterinary surveillance, and will include geographic modeling incorporating data from the above studies in combination with satellite imagery providing moisture and soil information. The focus ultimately will be on what information was collected, which will enable public health officials to forecast future outbreaks in order to implement effective public health prevention measures before an outbreak occurs (including the potential for livestock immunization, targeted larvacidal campaigns and behavior modification/risk reduction).