5 weeks before World Cup, WHO alerts visitors to South Africa of Rift Valley Fever outbreak

WHO alerts visitors to SAfrica of fever outbreak

GENEVA — The World Health Organization has advised tourists in South Africa to guard against mosquito bites and contact with animals after a Rift Valley Fever outbreak.

The United Nations health agency issued the warning Tuesday after a woman fell ill in Germany following a three-week trip in South Africa, which hosts the World Cup from June 11-July 11.

Around 350,000 international visitors are expected.

South Africa’s health ministry has reported 172 cases of the animal virus disease, including 15 deaths, across five provinces.

The German patient, who has since recovered, developed flulike symptoms visiting the Eastern and Western Cape, which include the World Cup venues of Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.

WHO did not advise avoiding South Africa.