The Senegal Ministry of Health reports in an update today on the Rift Valley fever (RVF) outbreak an additional 24 confirmed cases since our last report, bringing the total to 171.
22 of the new confirmed cases were reported in the Saint-Louis region, which now totals 159. The other two new cases were reported in Matam region.
To date, in addition to the 159 cases in the Saint-Louis region, four cases have been reported in Louga region, seven in Matam and one in Fatick region.
In addition, one additional RVF fatality was reported, bringing the total to 20.
Rift Valley Fever is mosquito-borne virus that is endemic in parts of Africa. It primarily infects animals like sheep, cattle and goats and it can have an economic impact on a community due to the loss of livestock.
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Humans get infected through contact with infected animal blood or organs. Butchering and slaughtering of animals is a primary cause of transmission to humans. Certain occupations are at a higher risk of getting Rift Valley Fever like farmers, herders and veterinarians.
It can also be transmitted to humans through mosquito bites and the bites of blood-sucking flies.
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Most cases of Rift Valley Fever are mild and symptoms include fever, headaches and muscle pain. However, a small percentage of people can get serious disease which includes retinitis, encephalitis and a hemorrhagic fever. Fatalities happen in less than 1 percent of those infected.