Senegal Contains Rift Valley Fever Outbreak Through Strong One Health Response

To curb the spread, more than 40,000 animals have been vaccinated around outbreak hotspots, an essential step in protecting pastoral livelihoods and reducing transmission.

Senegal has been confronting a significant Rift Valley Fever (RVF) outbreak since September, affecting both humans and livestock in pastoral and transhumance zones. By 23 November 2025, health authorities had confirmed 500 human cases, including 457 recoveries and 31 deaths, from more than 15,400 samples tested. On the animal side, 425 cases were detected in sheep, goats and cattle, with over 2,000 livestock abortions reported—mainly in the Senegal River Valley, one of the hardest-hit areas.

To curb the spread, more than 40,000 animals have been vaccinated around outbreak hotspots, an essential step in protecting pastoral livelihoods and reducing transmission.

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Human Stories Behind the Outbreak

In Kaolack, motorcycle taxi driver Diène Ndiaye recalls the shock of sudden illness:

“I thought it was the flu… My head felt heavy and my eyes were burning. When screening teams came to our neighborhood, they treated me and reassured me. Now I tell everyone: take the first signs seriously and use mosquito nets.”

In Golléré, livestock farmer Aïssatou Sow describes the emotional toll:

“Two goats aborted in the same week. Then my husband became very sick after handling the fetuses. Health teams arrived within 48 hours, tested us and explained how to protect ourselves. Without them, things could have been far worse.”

These testimonies highlight both the vulnerability of rural families and the lifesaving importance of rapid intervention.

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A Rapid, Integrated Response Led by the Health Ministry and WHO

From the earliest cases, the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene activated the Health Emergency Operations Center. With support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners from animal and environmental health, Senegal adopted a full One Health strategy, integrating human, animal and environmental systems.

This coordinated approach enabled:

• Quick deployment of multidisciplinary teams

• Faster mobilization of medical, laboratory and veterinary resources

• Continuous technical support and improved surveillance

WHO-trained SURGE rapid response teams were deployed to Saint-Louis, Kaolack and Fatick, carrying out active case-finding, contact tracing, high-risk zone investigations and targeted community education. Cross-border cooperation with Mauritania and The Gambia ensured alignment of detection and prevention strategies along shared pastoral corridors.

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Strengthened Healthcare Capacity and Logistics

WHO’s contributions included:

• 850 kg of medical supplies and medicines, enough for 10,000 patients

• 138 health professionals trained in triage and RVF care

• Four tons of medical oxygen delivered to affected regions

• Support for 11 health facilities to meet care and infection-control standards

The Pasteur Institute of Dakar and the National Livestock and Veterinary Research Laboratory accelerated laboratory analyses, reducing turnaround times and increasing testing precision.

Dr. Boly Diop, Head of the Surveillance Division, emphasized WHO’s decisive role:

“This support strengthened surveillance, improved investigation quality, and harmonized detection tools. It played an essential role in containing the spread.”

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Who Is Most Affected?

Data show that 70% of human cases involve:

• Shepherds

• Livestock farmers

• Butchers

• Transporters and meat workers

These high-risk groups face frequent exposure to mosquito bites, blood, raw meat and infected animal tissue. The most affected districts include Saint-Louis, Louga, Matam and Kaolack, with emerging increases in Fatick and Tambacounda, especially as stagnant post-rainy-season waters fuel mosquito breeding.

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Community Awareness and Prevention: A Crucial Pillar

Risk communication efforts have been massive and multilingual:

• 70+ radio broadcasts in local languages

• 110 religious leaders mobilized

• 15,300 community members sensitized directly

• 32 journalists trained to ensure accurate reporting

At weekly livestock markets (“loumas”), health teams continue advising communities to report symptoms quickly, avoid contact with sick animals and use mosquito nets consistently.

More than 200,000 PPE items—including masks, gloves, gowns and sanitizers—were distributed to protect frontline workers and families.

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Sustained Vigilance and Preparedness

Even as cases decline, Senegal is focusing on preparedness in regions not yet affected. Early detection systems are being reinforced to ensure rapid response if new clusters emerge.

Dr. Okou Bisso, WHO Incident Manager, underscored collaboration:

“The decline in cases shows how cooperation strengthens the health system’s capacity to protect communities.”

Dr. Michel Yao, WHO Representative in Senegal, called the mobilization “exemplary,” stating:

“By joining forces—human health, animal health, environmental experts, partners and communities—we can reduce the impact of Rift Valley Fever and save lives.”

For survivors like Diène, recovery brings renewed hope:

“I’m relieved to be healthy again. I hope everyone follows the prevention measures.”