Senegal has recorded 368 confirmed diphtheria cases and 14 deaths across 60 health districts in 13 regions, as authorities urge vaccination and prompt medical care.
Senegal’s diphtheria outbreak has continued to widen, with the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene reporting 368 confirmed cases and 14 deaths by 18 October, according to Seneweb’s report based on the ministry’s latest bulletin. The figures cover 60 health districts across 13 regions, showing that the disease has moved well beyond the areas first hit in September.
The hardest-hit regions now include Dakar with 53 cases, Kaolack with 48, Diourbel with 44, Louga with 42, Kédougou with 35, Thiès with 33, Matam with 29 and Tambacounda with 26, according to the same report. Earlier updates show how quickly the situation has escalated: Senegal had recorded 76 cases and nine deaths by 14 September, rising to 114 cases and 11 deaths by 20 September, then 248 cases and 11 deaths by 4 October, before reaching 301 cases and 12 deaths by 13 October.
Diphtheria is a serious infectious disease that can be prevented through vaccination. Health authorities say symptoms can include a sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, hoarseness and swelling in the neck. The ministry has repeatedly urged parents to check their children’s vaccination status, complete any missed doses under the expanded programme on immunisation and seek care quickly if symptoms appear.
Officials have also warned against self-medication, saying prompt medical attention is essential to limit complications and curb further spread. The steady rise in cases over little more than a month suggests the outbreak remains active across several parts of the country, even as authorities step up public health messaging around immunisation and early treatment.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
