Thiès Region on High Alert for Rift Valley Fever Despite No Confirmed Cases
Thiès, Senegal – Health officials in the Thiès region are intensifying epidemiological surveillance following an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in neighboring Saint-Louis, Matam, and Louga regions. As of today, the Regional Directorate of Health (DRS) reports no confirmed or suspected cases of RVF within Thiès.
“It is indeed crucial to come back to the epidemiological situation of the Thiès region in this context of the Rift Valley epidemic at the Saint-Louis region, Matam and louga regions,” stated Regional Director of Health, Dr. Mama Moussa Diaw.
Dr. Diaw reassured the public that a “sentry surveillance” system is actively in place, collaborating with hygiene and environmental services. This surveillance extends to other hemorrhagic fever diseases, including dengue, chikungunya, and mpox.
Currently,over 40 cases of dengue have been identified in the Thiès and Mbour areas. A dozen suspected cases of mpox have tested negative.
“We continue to be vigilant because we have a surveillance system,” Dr. Diaw said. ”The health system is already on alert, with the entire system in place.”
Authorities are emphasizing preventative measures, particularly regarding food handling – specifically meat processing, domestic farming practices, and the movements of transhumant populations. Maximum hygiene standards are being urged in slaughterhouses and for dairy products.
Dr.Diaw also appealed to regional authorities to reinstate a worldwide coverage campaign for long-lasting insecticidal mosquito nets (MILDA), noting Thiès has not had such a campaign for “several years” due to declining malaria cases. He highlighted this year’s ”particularly intense” wintering season is fostering mosquito breeding grounds, as mosquitoes are a common vector for RVF, dengue, chikungunya, and mpox.
“We insist on thes individual prevention measures, to avoid having cases of fever in the Rift Valley,” Dr. Diaw concluded.
