Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
short term
high

Frequent in severe disease. May be caused by dehydration initially, but may be a consequence of disseminated intravascular coagulation or direct damage to the kidneys by Rift Valley fever virus in later stages. Early recognition by monitoring urine output and blood biochemistry enables prompt action to be taken.[44][51][54]

Acute kidney injury

short term
low

Possible in severe disease. Early recognition is critical and supportive care should be administered. Recovery is possible with careful monitoring and care. Cases of haemorrhagic fever may result in death in up to 50% of patients if not given supportive care.[12] Long-term complications following recovery have not been identified.[1][2][11][12][41][50][51]

variable
medium

Ocular lesions resulting from RVF may cause permanent vision loss. Patients should be monitored by ophthalmological examination regularly to detect the onset of abnormalities.[1][2][11][12][35][32][50][51][53]

Assessment of vision loss

variable
low

Possible in severe disease. Early recognition through neurological monitoring is critical. Though death from encephalitis is rare, cases may result in death if not given supportive care and monitoring. Long-term neurological sequelae are common.[1][2][11][12][41][50]

Encephalitis

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer