Investigating Rift Valley Fever and other infectious diseases in East and Central Africa
Maintenance and Transmission of Rift Valley Fever Virus and Other Emerging Infectious Diseases in East and Central Africa
This study is trying to understand how Rift Valley Fever and other infectious diseases spread in East and Central Africa to help improve early warning systems and vaccination efforts for people and animals.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 5000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 2 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Washington State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 10 sites (Goma, North Kivu and 9 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05139524 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to assess the burden of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) and other emerging infectious diseases in East and Central Africa, particularly in identified hotspots. The research will involve surveillance of humans, livestock, and wildlife to understand the transmission dynamics and public health threats posed by RVF during inter-epidemic periods. By collecting data on disease incidence and seroprevalence, the study seeks to inform the development of early warning systems and vaccination strategies against RVF. The study will be conducted in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study include individuals aged 10 years and older presenting with acute fever, whether malaria positive or negative, as well as those with unexplained bleeding.
Not a fit: Patients who do not meet the age requirement or do not present with fever or unexplained bleeding may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surveillance and prevention strategies for Rift Valley Fever and other infectious diseases, ultimately protecting public health.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have successfully investigated similar infectious disease dynamics in the region, indicating that this approach is both relevant and necessary.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for health facility based study: Category A: A sample of patients presenting to the health facility meeting this inclusion criteria will be enrolled: • Persons ≥ 10 years of age who are malaria negative AND have undifferentiated acute fever at the time of presentation (≥ 37.5°C) or reported fever in the past 4 weeks. Category B: A sample of patients presenting to the health facility meeting this inclusion criteria will be enrolled: • Persons ≥ 10 years of age who are malaria positive AND have undifferentiated acute fever at the time of presentation (≥ 37.5°C) or reported fever in the past 4 weeks. Category C: All patients at the health facility meeting these criteria will be enrolled in the study Persons ≥ 10 years of age with: • Unexplained bleeding with or without fever manifesting as either: Blood in vomitus, Bleeding from the gums, Bleeding from the nose, Bleeding in the eyes (red eyes), Non-menstrual genital bleeding, Bleeding from any other body site OR • Infectious disease illness of unknown etiology requiring hospitalization. The illness should not be responding to antimalarials and/or antibiotics following 7 days of treatment Inclusion Criteria for community cross sectional study: Member of household 2 or more years of age. Exclusion Criteria: Those who do not consent or refuse written consent. If a participant is severely ill and has no next of kin to provide consent +/- witness on their behalf. If a participant is known to have blood clotting disorders, allergies arising from injections, or if a participant has ever fainted during previous injections or blood collection
Where this trial is running
Goma, North Kivu and 9 other locations
- Virunga Hospital & North Kivu — Goma, North Kivu, Congo, The Democratic Republic of the (Recruiting)
- South Kivu — Bukavu, Congo, The Democratic Republic of the (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Tana River County — Hola, Kenya (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Isiolo county — Isiolo, Kenya (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Marsabit county — Marsabit, Kenya (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Muranga county — Murang'a, Kenya (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Iringa — Iringa, Tanzania (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Rwekubbo health centre IV & Isingiro district — Isingiro, Uganda (Recruiting)
- Kabale Regional Referral Hospital & Kabale district — Kabale, Uganda (Recruiting)
- Rwekubo Health Centre IV & Rubanda district — Rubanda, Uganda (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: M. Kariuki Njenga, PhD — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Jeanette A Dawa, PhD
- Email: jeanette.dawa@wsu.edu
- Phone: +254750653696
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.