Senegal Battles Rare Outbreak of Rift Valley Fever — 17 Dead, Dozens Infected
By The Urban Gazette Africa Desk — Dakar / Kampala
Senegal is facing its worst outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) since the 1980s, with 17 deaths and 119 confirmed human cases reported, mostly in the livestock-producing north of the country.
The outbreak, officially declared on Sept. 21, is raising alarm among regional health officials because the virus typically circulates in animals but spills over to humans via mosquito bites or contact with infected livestock. In this instance, many cases occurred in areas with high livestock activity.
Health authorities emphasised that while many human cases are mild or asymptomatic, severe forms can lead to brain swelling, hemorrhagic fever and death. The World Health Organization and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention link the outbreak in part to climate-driven changes (e.g., flooding followed by sunny weather that boosts mosquito breeding).
Senegal’s north-western regions, heavily reliant on livestock, are especially vulnerable. Officials are calling for boosted animal vaccination campaigns, mosquito control, and stronger coordination between veterinary and human‐health services.
What to watch: Whether the outbreak spreads further domestically or across borders (given livestock and human movement), how resources are mobilised, and whether lessons are drawn for other countries facing similar climate-linked zoonotic risks.
