An escalating diphtheria outbreak in Senegal has affected 31 districts across 12 regions, with cases rising sharply over the month. Health officials emphasise the importance of vaccination and prompt medical care to curb the spread.
Senegal is facing a widening diphtheria outbreak, with the health ministry saying that by 20 September 2026 the country had recorded 114 confirmed cases and 11 deaths across 31 health districts in 12 regions. The figures show that the illness is no longer concentrated in one area, although Kédougou, Louga and Dakar remain the hardest hit.
According to the ministry’s latest situation update, Kédougou has the largest caseload, with 33 infections spread across Kédougou, Saraya and Salémata. Louga follows with 16 cases, while Dakar has 15, including infections in Guédiawaye and Keur Massar. Diourbel, Thiès, Matam, Kaolack, Tambacounda and Kolda are also reporting cases, alongside smaller numbers in Saint-Louis, Ziguinchor and Fatick.
The latest tally marks a sharp rise from earlier in September, when local reports put the total at 34 cases and six deaths on 4 September, 57 cases and eight deaths on 8 September, and 76 cases and nine deaths by 13 September. Reuters-style updates from Senegalese outlets show the outbreak spreading steadily over the month, with the number of affected districts and regions growing in step with the caseload.
Health officials say diphtheria is a contagious bacterial disease that can be prevented through vaccination. Typical symptoms include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, hoarseness, swelling in the neck and greyish membranes in the throat that can lead to breathing problems. The ministry has urged parents to check their children’s vaccination status under the routine immunisation programme and to complete any missing doses without delay.
The authorities are also advising families to seek care immediately if symptoms appear and to avoid self-medication. With the outbreak now affecting much of the country, the ministry’s message is focused on speed: recognise the illness early, get children vaccinated on schedule and bring suspected cases to the nearest health facility as soon as possible.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
