An outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) was officially reported by the Senegalese Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene on September 26, 2025. The disease, which is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites and contact with infected animals or their products, initially affected the Saint Louis, Louga, and Matam regions. These areas saw a high number of cases, severe illness requiring hospitalization, and death rates higher than previous RVF outbreaks.
The outbreak has since spread to additional regions in Senegal, including Dakar, Thies, Kedougou, Kolda, Kaolack, Kaffrine, Fatick, and Tambacounda. While the weekly number of new cases has declined and recent cases have been less severe with fewer hospitalizations reported, health authorities caution that the outbreak is ongoing. There has also been a significant reduction in deaths across the country.
Officials emphasize that mosquitoes remain widespread in Senegal. The U.S. Embassy in Dakar advises residents and travelers to continue taking precautions against RVF as well as other mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue.
Recommended actions include reviewing information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about RVF in Senegal; consulting U.S. Embassy Dakar’s medical assistance resources; checking with healthcare providers before travel; confirming travel insurance coverage for medical evacuation; using insect repellents containing EPA-registered ingredients like DEET or Picaridin; wearing protective clothing; sleeping under bed nets; staying indoors during peak mosquito activity hours; eliminating standing water near homes; avoiding contact with potentially infected animals or animal products; and ensuring all animal-derived foods are thoroughly cooked.
For assistance or more information, individuals can contact the U.S. Embassy in Dakar via phone at +221 33 879 4000 or email at DakarACS@state.gov.