Treatment algorithm

Please note that formulations/routes and doses may differ between drug names and brands, drug formularies, or locations. Treatment recommendations are specific to patient groups: see disclaimer

ACUTE

all patients

1st line – supportive care

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ACUTE
|
all patients
1st line – 

supportive care

Treatment is generally supportive as there is no specific antiviral treatment available.

A large percentage of RVF cases are mild and self-limited. Treatment is similar to most other influenza-like illnesses: rest, maintain generous fluid intake, and symptomatic treatment with non-prescription medications. Patients should seek medical attention if the influenza-like symptoms can no longer be adequately managed by non-prescription medications (e.g., severe dehydration) or last longer than 1 week.

Early dialysis for patients with renal failure may improve outcome.[1][2]

Some therapies are not recommended for the treatment of RVF, such as ribavirin or moderate to high dosages of corticosteroids. Ribavirin is specifically contraindicated due to increasing incidence of central nervous system disease.

Patients should seek immediate medical care if they have any neurological changes such as severe headaches, photophobia, seizures, or change in mental state; any visual disturbance (blurred or decreased vision); or any signs of haemorrhage (including jaundice).

Plus – intensive supportive care

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ACUTE
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all patients
|
with encephalitis
Plus – 

intensive supportive care

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Admit the patient to hospital to rule out other treatable illnesses (such as herpes simplex encephalitis) and to provide intensive supportive care.

Basic resuscitation measures for people with reduced level of consciousness includes ensuring airway patency, breathing and circulation, intravenous fluids, and prevention and management of secondary bacterial infections, seizures (if they occur), and venous thromboembolism.

There are no specific drug therapies for complications of encephalitis caused by Rift Valley fever virus and there is no evidence that antivirals are effective.

Plus – platelet, plasma, and red blood cell transfusion

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ACUTE
|
all patients
|
with haemorrhage or DIC
Plus – 

platelet, plasma, and red blood cell transfusion

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Major bleeding occurs infrequently, but is a manifestation of severe infection and is fatal in 50% of patients.[11] When available, give platelet, plasma, and red blood cell transfusions according to local protocols.

Plus – ophthalmological examination and monitoring

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ACUTE
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all patients
|
with visual disturbance/loss of vision
Plus – 

ophthalmological examination and monitoring

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Treatment is generally supportive, as there is no specific ocular treatment available. Patients should be followed by an ophthalmologist. Patients experiencing loss of vision or blurred vision should be monitored for potential progression to retinitis, complete blindness, or permanent vision loss. Eyes should be examined for the development of lesions, including retinal haemorrhage, vitreous reactions, optic disc oedema, anterior uveitis, and retinal vasculitis.[51]

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Choose a patient group to see our recommendations

Please note that formulations/routes and doses may differ between drug names and brands, drug formularies, or locations. Treatment recommendations are specific to patient groups. See disclaimer

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