The overall objective of this project is to identify factors influencing emergence, maintenance and transmission of Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV), Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) and potential yet unknown arthropod-borne viruses at the virus, vector and animal reservoir levels, leading to epidemics in suspected spillover conditions.
Specific objectives of this study are to: i) analyze the distribution of RVFV and CCHFV in animal and human populations including groups at risk, ii) analyze the distribution and infection rate of tick vectors, iii) assess variability and molecular evolution of RVFV and CCHFV strains circulating iv) establish a network/working group within the regions to strengthen capacities for RVFV and CCHFV surveillance and research that could be easily translated to other emerging biological threats, v) Set up a biological collection that could be further valorised for the investigation of other infectious agents that are associated with acute febrile illness in Cameroon
