Health Alert: Rift Valley Fever Outbreak – U.S. Embassy Dakar, Senegal (October 10, 2025)
Saint Louis, Louga, Matam, and Fatick Regions, Senegal
Event: The Senegal Ministry of Health has declared an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in northern Senegal. Cases have been reported in the health districts of the Saint-Louis region and the regions of Louga, Matam, and Fatick. RVF is spread by direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or organs of infected animals or through bites of infected mosquitoes. While most people with RVF have no symptoms or mild diseases, a small proportion may develop severe symptoms, including bleeding. U.S. Government personnel are advised to reconsider non-essential travel to the Saint-Louis, Louga, and Matam regions. These regions have limited healthcare capacity to treat RVF patients with severe symptoms.
Actions to Take:
- Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website on Rift Valley Fever.
- Refer to U.S. Embassy Dakar’s medical assistance list.
- Check with your medical provider if you have any questions regarding upcoming travel.
- Check with your travel insurance provider about medical evacuation options should you fall ill while overseas.
- Use insect repellents and bed nets. Wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin and stay indoors during peak mosquito biting hours.
- Thoroughly cook all animal products, including meat, milk, and blood before eating or drinking them.
- Avoid contact with blood, body fluids, or tissues of potentially infected animals. People working regularly with animals in areas where RVF virus is found should wear gloves, boots, long sleeves, and a face shield to protect themselves
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Dakar, Senegal
+221 33 879 4000
DakarACS@state.gov
https://sn.usembassy.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs
+1 888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444
Senegal Country Information
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