The Free State Health Department has warned that Rift Valley Fever, which mainly affects animals, can also infect humans. The disease has been confirmed in several districts in the province and one person has died. 

In humans, it results in flu-like symptoms, but can also become more severe. In livestock and game it results in animals aborting their young and a high mortality rate. People at risk are those who come into close contact with animals infected with the disease. 

Last week reports emerged that the Rift Valley Fever may have jumped the border to the North West. Health authorities said there is a possible outbreak at Bloemhof and Christiana, this came after an outbreak was reported in Hoopstad and Hertzogville in the Free State. More than 50 farms in the Free State were reported to have been affected. 

The Department of Health even appealed to South Africans to be careful around animals, especially cattle. The warning came after confirmation that the department was dealing with an outbreak of the disease. At the time, six people were said to have contracted the fever and that one life was lost due to an infection.