The Ministère de la Santé et de l’Hygiène publique in Senegal is now reporting human Rift Valley fever (RVF) in 10 regions, with a new confirmed case in Kaffrine region today.
Officials reported seven additional cases, bringing the total to 405 confirmed cases since September 20, including 29 deaths.
The ten regions include Saint-Louis (307), Matam (28), Louga (19), Fatick (19), Dakar (10), Kaolack (14), Thiès (2), Tambacounda (3), Kédougou (2) and Kaffrine (1).
Of the 405 confirmed human cases, 352 have recovered.
As part of the response to the RVF outbreak, regional coordination teams have been set up in each affected region, using a One Health approach, with the designation of regional incident managers. A national response coordination unit has also set up a national incident management system, based on the same One Health framework.
The World Health Organization notes RVF is a viral zoonotic disease primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, with transmission dynamics influenced by environmental factors (rainfall and floodings), which predominantly affects domestic animals such as cattle, sheep, camels and goats. Human cases usually occur in the vicinity of animal outbreaks, in areas with favorable conditions for mosquito transmission. The majority of human infections result from direct or indirect contact with the blood or organs of infected animals. Care should be taken when handling sick or dead animals, patients, or biological materials. It is recommended that a One Health approach be applied, integrating animal, human and environmental health efforts into all RVF prevention and control activities.
During outbreaks, countries need to strengthen their capacity to detect human cases early and ensure adequate patient care. Public awareness campaigns on the risks of RVF transmission and protective measures are essential to reduce infection and mortality rates.
Preventive measures for the public should focus on:
Reducing the risk of animal-to-human transmission through safe livestock handling and slaughter practices. Maintaining good hand hygiene, including wearing gloves and protective equipment when handling sick animals or infected tissues, or during slaughter.
Avoiding unsafe consumption of fresh blood, raw milk or animal tissue. In regions where epizootics are reported, all animal products (blood, meat, milk) must be thoroughly cooked before consumption.
Preventing mosquito bites through vector control measures, including eliminating breeding sites, using insecticide-treated nets and repellents when possible, wearing long, light-colored clothing, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity hours.