Precipitation Anomalies and Rift Valley Fever Outbreaks 

From 2009-2011, a series of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) outbreaks occurred in South Africa and neighboring countries. This visualization showcases the relationship between El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) induced anomalous rainfall and RVF outbreaks in the region. 

ENSO is an irregularly recurring climate pattern characterized by warmer (El Niño) and colder (La Niña) than usual ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific, which creates a ripple effect of observed weather changes in far-spread regions of Earth. 
Weather changes associated with the ENSO phenomenon result in interrelated climate anomalies, such as abnormal rainfall and vegetation conditions, which can trigger outbreaks of infectious diseases. 

RFV is an accute viral disease of domestic animals and humans. It is spread by the bite of various Aedes and Culex mosquito species, which thrive during periods of above normal and persistent rainfall. Accurately forecasting climate events like ENSO may help epidimiologist better plan for RFV epidemics and epizootics. 


For more information: 
https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/4783/ 

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