Senegal diphtheria outbreak primarily affects children

Senegal is facing a diphtheria outbreak that is primarily affecting children aged 5 to 14. As of September 21, 2026, the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene reported 114 confirmed cases nationwide. Children in the 5-14 age group account for 54.4% of these infections, while those aged 15 and older represent 28.1%.

The Kédougou region has emerged as the primary hotspot, accounting for 33 cases, or nearly 29% of the national total. The outbreak was initially signaled by a series of deaths among children under five at the Amath Dansokho Regional Hospital.

Dr. Jean-Pierre Diallo, the diphtheria incident manager at the Ministry of Health, noted that while the national vaccination rate is approximately 80%, this figure masks significant disparities. Vulnerable populations include “zero dose” children and those with incomplete vaccination schedules, particularly in rural and border areas. Although vaccination campaigns have reached thousands of children in the affected regions, authorities emphasize that addressing these pockets of non-vaccination is critical to controlling the disease.