In October 2025, a significant Rift Valley Fever (RVF) outbreak emerged in northern Senegal, with 277 confirmed human cases and 22 deaths reported by October 271. The outbreak, driven by the highly transmissible Lineage H strain, rapidly transitioned from imported cases to local transmission within one week, primarily affecting the Saint-Louis, Matam, and Louga regions. Early preprints reported 44 cases and 8 deaths2, but cumulative surveillance data now reflect a broader public health impact.
As of October 30, 2025, RVFV remains endemic in over 30 countries, causing intermittent epidemics with tens to hundreds of thousands of infections (e.g., 90,000 cases during the 2006–2007 East African outbreak). Transmitted primarily by Aedes and Culex mosquitoes or direct contact with infected livestock fluids, RVFV—first identified in Kenya’s Rift Valley in 1931—induces severe liver necrosis, hemorrhagic fever, and abortion storms in ruminants. The WHO has designated RVFV a priority pathogen due to its epidemic potential and climate-driven geographic expansion.
Fig. 1. Global RVFV distribution and 2025 Senegal outbreak epicenters (Source: Joint FAO/WHO/WOAH Rapid Risk Assessment, 2025)
Data Note: Case counts are based on official surveillance reports. Early preprint estimates are included for context. Real-time updates recommended via WHO/FAO dashboards.
Viral Structure and Molecular Pathogenesis
Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) is a tri-segmented, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus (total ~11.8 kb) belonging to the Phlebovirus genus within the Bunyaviridae family. The genome comprises:
- L segment (~6.4 kb): Encodes RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp)
- M segment (~3.7 kb): Encodes glycoproteins Gn and Gc, and non-structural protein NSm
- S segment (~1.7 kb): Encodes nucleocapsid protein (N) and non-structural protein NSs
The enveloped virion (~100 nm) displays Gn/Gc spikes facilitating receptor-mediated entry into hepatocytes and endothelial cells. The NSs protein is the primary virulence factor, suppressing type I interferon (IFN-α/β) responses by inhibiting transcription factor assembly and promoting host mRNA degradation3. NSm contributes to vascular leakage and apoptosis suppression, driving hemorrhagic manifestations.
Fig. 2. RVFV tri-segmented genome and NSs-mediated immune evasion (Adapted from Vaccines 2022)
Key RVFV Proteins: Functions and Research Applications
| Protein |
Function & Characteristics |
Research & Diagnostic Utility |
| L Protein |
RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp); drives viral transcription/replication |
Target for small-molecule inhibitors (IC50 < 1 μM candidates in HTS) |
| Gn/Gc Glycoproteins |
Surface spikes mediate attachment, fusion; elicit neutralizing antibodies |
Core mRNA/subunit vaccine antigens; |
| N Nucleoprotein |
Encapsidates viral RNA; forms RNP complex |
Gold-standard ELISA antigen (LOD < 1 ng/mL); |
| NSs Protein |
Primary virulence factor; blocks IFN-α/β signaling |
Attenuation target; ΔNSs mutants reduce replication 99%; basis for Clone 13 veterinary vaccine |
| NSm Protein |
Suppresses apoptosis; disrupts endothelial barrier |
Linked to hemorrhage; emerging pathogenesis research focus |
Bunyaviridae Family Overview
RVFV belongs to the Phlebovirus genus, sharing segmented RNA architecture and immune evasion strategies with other high-consequence pathogens:
| Virus |
Genus |
Primary Disease |
Vector |
| CCHFV |
Nairovirus |
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CFR 30–40%) |
Tick |
| Hantavirus (HTNV/SNV) |
Hantavirus |
HFRS / Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome |
Rodent |
| La Crosse virus (LACV) |
Orthobunyavirus |
Pediatric encephalitis |
Mosquito |
| Toscana virus (TOSV) |
Phlebovirus |
Summer meningoencephalitis |
Sandfly |
abinScience offers CCHFV N protein and Hantavirus NP antibodies. Explore full Bunyaviridae portfolio →
Next-Generation Vaccine Development
No licensed human RVFV vaccine exists, but multiple next-generation platforms are advancing3:
- Live-attenuated vaccines (ΔNSs): Clone 13 and MP-12 derivatives in veterinary use; human candidates in Phase II (Kenya, July 2025 start).
- mRNA vaccines: IVI/Afrigen platform encoding Gn/Gc; $6.2M CEPI funding; Phase I ongoing.
- Subunit & VLP vaccines: Gn/Gc-based; 100% efficacy in sheep with glycosylated antigens.
Key challenges include cross-lineage protection and cold-chain logistics. NSs deletion remains the cornerstone of safe, immunogenic live-attenuated vaccines for both animal and human use.
Fig. 3. RVFV vaccine pipeline: live-attenuated, mRNA, and subunit platforms (Vaccines 2022, 10(11):1794)
About abinScience
Founded in 2023 in France, abinScience specializes in high-purity recombinant proteins and antibodies for emerging infectious diseases. Using HEK293, insect, and prokaryotic expression systems, we deliver >95% purity, MS-verified reagents to over 200 global labs, accelerating RVFV, CCHFV, Hantavirus, and dengue research.
abinScience RVFV Research Reagents
High-purity RVFV antigens and antibodies for ELISA, neutralization assays, and vaccine validation. 24-hour shipping | First order 10% off.
| Type |
Catalog # |
Product Name |
| Protein |
VK101031 |
Recombinant RVFV Glycoprotein C, C-Fc |
| VK101041 |
Recombinant RVFV Glycoprotein C, C-His |
| VK101022 |
Recombinant RVFV Glycoprotein C, N-His |
| VK101011 |
Recombinant RVFV Glycoprotein N, C-Fc |
| VK101021 |
Recombinant RVFV Glycoprotein N, C-His |
| VK101012 |
Recombinant RVFV Glycoprotein N, N-His |
| Antibody |
VK101024 |
Anti-RVFV Glycoprotein C Polyclonal Antibody |
| VK101014 |
Anti-RVFV Glycoprotein N Polyclonal Antibody |
References
- Joint FAO/WHO/WOAH Rapid Risk Assessment of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in Senegal and Mauritania: Implications for Public Health and Animal Health. World Health Organization, 2025. Available online.
- Boshra H, Lorenzo G, Rodriguez MJ, Brun A. Perspectives of Next-Generation Live-Attenuated Rift Valley Fever Vaccines for Animal and Human Use. Vaccines. 2023;11(3):707. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11030707.
- Kitandwe PK, McKay PF, Kaleebu P, Shattock RJ. An Overview of Rift Valley Fever Vaccine Development Strategies. Vaccines. 2022;10(11):1794. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10111794.
Disclaimer: Data derived from peer-reviewed and official sources.For research use only. Not suitable for clinical or therapeutic use.
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