Senegal Launches Nationwide Efforts to Combat Rift Valley Fever

Senegal has embarked on a comprehensive nationwide initiative to address a significant outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF). This coordinated response, announced on October 20, 2023, involves multiple sectors, including health, agriculture, environment, and water resources, to effectively combat the disease’s spread. Officials at a press conference in Dakar emphasized the importance of community cooperation and warned against the dangers of self-medication.

Ibrahima Sy, the Minister of Health and Social Action, stated, “This is a disease that lies at the crossroads of human, animal, and environmental health, and therefore requires a collective response.” He reiterated the risks associated with self-medication, particularly the use of anti-inflammatories available in markets, which can worsen the condition of those infected.

To date, the government has activated epidemic management committees across the country, enhancing treatment protocols and case detection. Vaccination campaigns for livestock have been launched since the outbreak began in September, with over 14,000 animals already vaccinated. Alongside these measures, mosquito control operations are underway in high-risk areas, which include the destruction of breeding sites and the deployment of drones to locate stagnant water sources.

Community Engagement and Surveillance Efforts

A communication campaign has been implemented to reach communities in local languages, particularly in markets, villages, and farming areas. Health authorities have intensified surveillance in the regions most affected by the outbreak: Saint-Louis, Matam, Louga, Thiès, and Tambacounda. Minister Sy remarked that while these combined efforts have helped slow the epidemic’s spread, high vigilance is still essential.

As of October 20, the Ministry of Health reported testing 1,657 samples, confirming 258 human cases. Among these, there have been 21 fatalities, while 192 patients have recovered. Additionally, health officials confirmed 57 cases in animals. Boly Diop, the head of Senegal’s National Incident Management System (SGI), noted that specialized working groups comprised of zoonosis experts have been established to facilitate informed decision-making.

Despite these efforts, Diop warned that self-medication and delayed medical consultations have resulted in additional fatalities. He urged the public to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms arise, emphasizing that “self-medication is one of the main causes of the worsening of the viral form of the disease.”

Understanding Rift Valley Fever Transmission

Rift Valley fever is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites or direct contact with infected animals, and it is not spread between humans, according to Senegal’s health ministry. While there is currently no vaccine available for humans, effective vaccines for animals exist, highlighting the need for preventive measures.

Mawlouth Diallo, an entomologist at the Pasteur Institute of Dakar, indicated that vaccination efforts are being prioritized in livestock markets and key locations where animals are moved for grazing. He stated, “Some of these animal vaccines have been available in Senegal for a long time. Now that there is an epidemic, targeted vaccinations will be carried out in certain areas.”

In response to the outbreak, the UK Health Security Agency hosted a scientific consultation on October 14, 2023, in collaboration with various global health institutions. The meeting aimed to identify research priorities to bolster the response to the outbreak. Disease specialists underscored the urgent need for more point-of-care diagnostic tests to manage RVF effectively.

Emmanuel Agogo, director of the pandemic threats programme at FIND, revealed that analysis of available commercial diagnostic tests for RVF showed “huge gaps” in point-of-care options. Current diagnostic methods rely on PCR tests, which necessitate laboratory analysis, limiting immediate access to results.

Virology researcher Moussa Diagne from the Pasteur Institute of Dakar echoed the call for improved diagnostic tools, stating the necessity for accessible solutions, particularly in rural areas. He emphasized the importance of ongoing genomic monitoring, which keeps diagnostic assays updated to ensure reliability.

Addressing biosafety challenges, researchers in Uganda have developed “mobile labs” equipped with specially designed “glove boxes” to enhance safety for veterinarians. These innovations provide a safer environment with minimal training and reduced need for personal protective equipment.

As Senegal intensifies its efforts against the Rift Valley fever outbreak, the collaboration between health sectors, community engagement, and scientific research will be crucial in mitigating the impact of this disease on both human and animal populations.