Senegal: Dengue fever outbreak spreads /update 1

Event

According to health officials in Senegal, the outbreak of dengue fever first reported in late September in Fatick (Fatick region) has spread to other areas across the country. As of late October, 31 cases have been reported in Fatick, 42 in Touba (Diourbel region), six in Rosso (Saint-Louis region), and one in Coki (Louga region). Public health measures, including fumigation campaigns aimed at eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, are anticipated in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease found mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rash. In a small number of cases, the potentially deadly dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) may develop, resulting in internal bleeding, enlargement of the liver, and high fever.

Advice

Individuals present in Senegal are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping in a screened-in or air-conditioned room) and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds on their properties (e.g. small pockets of fresh water, such as rainwater that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).