Living with Rift valley fever
A virus-caused illness that usually brings fever and passes by itself, but can sometimes cause bleeding, vision loss, or nerve symptoms.
Understanding Rift valley fever
It is usually a fever that goes away on its own. In some cases it can also cause blood clots, vision loss, bleeding, or nerve-related symptoms. It can occur at any age.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Back pain
- Bleeding gums or bleeding easily
- Blood in the urine
- Eye problems and vision loss
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by the Rift Valley fever virus.
Also known as: rvf; viral hemorrhagic fever, rift valley
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Rift valley fever.
Explore research for Rift valley fever
Explore actively recruiting Rift valley fever studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Rift valley fever with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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