Senegal Launches Robust Response to Rift Valley Fever Outbreak

Senegal has initiated a comprehensive, nationwide response to a rising outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF), urging communities to avoid self-medication practices. The coordinated effort, announced at a press conference on October 20, 2023, in Dakar, involves multiple sectors, including health, agriculture, environment, and water resources.

“This disease sits at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health, necessitating a collective response,” stated Ibrahima Sy, the Minister of Health and Social Action. He emphasized the dangers of self-medication, particularly with certain anti-inflammatories available in local markets, which could worsen patients’ conditions.

In response to the outbreak, which first emerged in September, the government has activated epidemic management committees across the country. These committees are responsible for enhancing treatment and case detection as well as implementing vaccination campaigns for livestock. According to Boly Diop, head of Senegal’s National Incident Management System (SGI), mosquito control operations are underway in high-risk areas, focusing on eliminating breeding sites and deploying drones to locate stagnant water sources.

Surveillance has intensified in the most affected regions—Saint-Louis, Matam, Louga, Thiès, and Tambacounda. “These combined efforts have slowed the epidemic’s spread, but we must maintain high vigilance,” Sy remarked.

As of October 20, the Ministry of Health reported that 1,657 samples had been tested, confirming 258 human cases, of which 21 have resulted in fatalities. Additionally, 192 patients have recovered, and 57 confirmed cases have been reported in animals. Vaccination efforts have reached over 14,000 animals, according to SGI officials.

Despite these efforts, Diop warned that self-medication and delays in seeking medical help have contributed significantly to the mortality rate. “We urge the population to be vigilant. Anyone showing symptoms should seek medical care immediately,” he advised. Investigations revealed that many deaths were linked to late hospital admissions and complications arising from self-medication. “Some patients suffered from haemorrhaging, while others faced organ failure,” Diop added.

Rift Valley fever primarily spreads through mosquito bites or direct contact with infected animals and is not transmitted between humans. “There is currently no vaccine for humans, but effective vaccines for animals exist,” Diop highlighted, stressing the importance of preventive measures.

Vaccination campaigns are prioritized in livestock markets, water points, and along grazing routes, as explained by Mawlouth Diallo, an entomologist at the Pasteur Institute of Dakar. With the epidemic underway, targeted vaccinations will focus on specific areas.

In an effort to bolster the response to the outbreak, the UK Health Security Agency convened a scientific consultation on October 14, 2023, collaborating with global and African health institutions to identify research priorities. Disease specialists emphasized the urgent need for more point-of-care diagnostic tests to manage the outbreak effectively.

Emmanuel Agogo, director of the pandemic threats program at FIND, pointed out significant gaps in available diagnostic tests for RVF. Current testing relies on PCR methods, which require laboratory analysis, while simpler lateral flow and antigen tests are largely absent. “Tests on the market are very limited,” he noted, adding that no new tests are currently in development.

Concerns were echoed by Moussa Diagne, a virology researcher at the Pasteur Institute of Dakar, who stressed the need for true point-of-care tools, particularly in rural areas. He pointed out that genomic monitoring is crucial in keeping assays updated to ensure effective testing.

One challenge in combating RVF involves ensuring the safety of veterinarians and adhering to strict biosafety measures to prevent further spread. Researchers in Uganda have developed “mobile labs” equipped with a specially designed glove box to enhance biosafety conditions. Stephen Balinandi, a researcher at the Uganda Virus Research Institute, explained that this compact solution provides a safe working environment without extensive training or personal protective equipment.

As Senegal confronts this health crisis, the collaborative and multisectoral approach highlights the importance of swift action, comprehensive monitoring, and community awareness in controlling the outbreak and protecting public health.