Senegal’s Ministry of Health officials report that the Rift Valley Fever (RVF) outbreak that began in late September is under control and has ended without further spread, underscoring Senegal’s heightened surveillance efforts amid alerts across the West African region.

From September 20, 2025 to January 4, 2026, a total of 561 confirmed human RVF cases, including 31 deaths (CFR 5.5%), were reported from 41 districts in 11 regions of the country. The St. Louis region was the most affected, accounting for 66.5% (n=373) of cases and 61.3% (n=19) of deaths. The remaining affected areas were Matam (46 cases, 5 deaths), Fatik (39 cases, 3 deaths), Khao Lak (37 cases, 0 deaths), Louga (22 cases, 4 deaths), Dakar (18 cases, 0 deaths), Tambacounda (10 cases, 0 deaths), Korda (5 cases, 0 deaths), Thies (5 cases, 0 deaths), and Coughlin. (2 infected people, 0 deaths), Kedugu (2 infected people, 0 deaths).

Men were particularly affected, accounting for 64.9% (n=364) of cases. By occupation, cowherds, students, and housewives are the most affected. Bleeding symptoms were reported in 46 cases, and 23 of the 31 cases reported died.

At the same time, confirmed cases of Rift Valley fever have been reported among animals. As of January 4, 2026, a total of 446 animal cases have been reported in 11 regions of the country, mainly involving sheep, goats, and camels.

The Rift Valley fever outbreak in Senegal is having a major public health impact, characterized by widespread transmission, high case numbers, and increased case fatality rates. Infection is caused by intense human-animal-vector contact contact, and most deaths are due to severe disease.