Since September 2025, Senegal has been facing an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF), a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes or contact with infected animals, affecting both humans and livestock, particularly in pastoral and transhumance zones. By late November, health authorities had confirmed 500 human cases, including 31 deaths, and 425 animal cases with over 2,000 reported abortions, primarily in the Senegal River Valley. Vaccination campaigns have reached more than 40,000 animals around outbreak hotspots.
Individual experiences highlight the human impact of the outbreak. In Kaolack, Diène Ndiaye, a motorcycle taxi driver, described sudden fever and discomfort but received timely testing and care from health teams. Similarly, livestock farmer Aïssatou Sow recounted her husband’s illness after handling infected animals, emphasizing the importance of rapid medical and veterinary intervention.
The Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene activated the Health Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the response, implementing the “One Health” approach with support from WHO and other partners. This strategy integrates human, animal, and environmental health dimensions, allowing rapid mobilization of resources, deployment of response teams, and ongoing technical guidance.
Response measures included strengthened surveillance, rapid case detection, patient care, distribution of medical supplies, and community awareness campaigns. WHO-trained SURGE rapid response teams were deployed to Saint-Louis, Kaolack, and Fatick, while cross-border coordination with Mauritania and The Gambia helped harmonize strategies along the Senegal River.
Field teams and experts continuously monitor outbreak evolution using strengthened alert systems. WHO provided 850 kg of medical supplies, trained 138 health professionals, and supervised 11 health facilities to ensure proper care and readiness in the most affected regions. Infection prevention and control measures included the provision of over 200,000 pieces of PPE and updated biomedical waste management protocols.
Data indicate that 70% of human cases involve individuals working closely with livestock, such as shepherds, farmers, and butchers. The highest case numbers were reported in Saint-Louis, Louga, Matam, and Kaolack, with Fatick and Tambacounda seeing recent increases. The end of the rainy season, which promotes mosquito proliferation, poses ongoing challenges.
Risk communication and community engagement were key components of the response. Over 70 radio broadcasts in local languages, support from 110 religious leaders, and direct sensitization of more than 15,300 people helped raise awareness about RVF prevention. Training for journalists further ensured accurate, locally adapted information.
Three months into the outbreak, coordinated efforts have improved early detection, reduced transmission, and strengthened trust between communities and health authorities. Weekly interventions in villages and livestock markets continue, while preparedness actions are being implemented in unaffected areas.
WHO Representative Dr. Michel Yao emphasized that collaborative efforts across human, animal, and environmental health sectors are critical to minimizing the impact of Rift Valley Fever and saving lives. Recovered patients like Diène Ndiaye urge communities to follow preventive measures to protect themselves and their livestock.
