Rift Valley Fever Seroprevalence in Coastal Kenya

Abstract

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) causes severe disease in both animals and humans, resulting in significant economic and public health damages. The objective of this study was to measure RVFV seroprevalence in six coastal Kenyan villages between 2009 and 2011, and characterize individual-, household-, and community-level risk factors for prior RVFV exposure. Sera were tested for anti-RVFV IgG via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Overall, 51 (1.8%; confidence interval [CI95] 1.3–2.3) of 2,871 samples were seropositive for RVFV. Seroprevalence differed significantly amongvillages,andwashighestinJegoVillage(18/300;6.0%;CI953.6–9.3)and lowest in Magodzon (0/248).Adults were more likely to be seropositive than children (P< 0.001). Seropositive subjects were less likely to own land or a motor vehicle (P< 0.01), suggesting exposure is associated with lower socioeconomic