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4 clusters · 12 sources · 24 days · First seen · Last updated

Diphtheria outbreak spreading across Senegal

Overview

The diphtheria outbreak in Senegal has intensified, with the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene reporting 114 confirmed cases and 11 deaths as of September 20, 2026. The disease has expanded its reach to 12 regions and 31 health districts. Kédougou remains the most heavily impacted area with 33 recorded cases, accounting for nearly 29% of the national total. Other significant areas include Louga (16 cases), Dakar (15), Diourbel (13), and Thiès (12).

New data indicates the outbreak is primarily affecting children, specifically those aged 5 to 14, who account for 54.4% of infections. Those aged 15 and older represent 28.1% of cases. The crisis 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.

In response, local authorities are strengthening surveillance, awareness, and vaccination efforts. Health officials continue to urge the population to follow the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) schedules and seek immediate medical attention for symptoms such as fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or the appearance of grayish membranes in the throat.

Entities

Kédougou · Senegal · Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene · Saraya · Ndèye Nguénar Mbodji

Timeline

  1. 5 days ago

    [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Senegal diphtheria outbreak primarily affects children

    Senegal is battling a diphtheria outbreak primarily affecting children aged 5-14, with the Kédougou region identified as the main hotspot due to vaccination gaps in rural and border areas.

  2. 8 days ago

    [HEALTH] 5 sources
    Senegal diphtheria outbreak reaches 114 cases and 11 deaths

    Senegal reports 114 confirmed diphtheria cases and 11 deaths across 12 regions, with Kédougou and Louga among the most affected areas. Health authorities are intensifying vaccination and surveillance efforts.

  3. 12 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Senegal faces diphtheria outbreak spreading to 11 regions

    Senegal is experiencing a diphtheria outbreak spreading across 11 regions, with 76 confirmed cases and 9 deaths reported. Authorities urge immediate vaccination and vigilance against respiratory symptoms.

  4. 29 days ago

    [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Senegal faces diphtheria outbreak with multiple deaths reported

    Senegal is facing a diphtheria outbreak with multiple confirmed cases and three deaths reported in the Kédougou region. Health authorities have intensified surveillance and prophylactic treatments.

Sources

actunet.net · keranosmedia.com · ledakarois.sn · lesafriques.com · madamesante.sn · senegal7.com · senego.com · senenews.com · sentv.info · tambacounda.info · terangatimesn.com · uracsenegal.sn

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history