Main health risks for Senegal

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

Malaria is present in the whole country, with an increased present in wet areas; cities are not risk-free. Strains present in the country are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone 3). Malaria is one of highest cause of mortality in Senegal.

Yellow fever is endemic in the country. During the last trimester of 2011, health officials reported three cases of this mosquito-borne disease near the border with Mali and Guinea Conakry.

Chikungunya is present in the country. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne disease. Symptoms are fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea and, in severe cases, the pain associated with the infection of the joints persists for weeks or months.

There is a risk of Lassa fever in Senegal. Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever hosted by a rodent. Around 8 in 10 people infected with Lassa virus develop mild or no symptoms, but in 20 percent of cases people will have severe illness. Symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, a cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and muscle pain.

Rabies is endemic in Senegal. In September 2004, a Frenchman died in the touristic area of Saly after catching rabies from a wandering dog. Remain very careful towards wandering animals.

Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment

Diarreic diseases are frequent among travelers who do not take precautions.

Outbreak of cholera can occur at any time. In order to minimize risks, it is recommended to wash hands thoroughly before meals, and to use uncontaminated water.

During the first eight months of 2010, 18 cases of polio was reported in Senegal. These are the first cases recorded since 1998. Poliomyelitis is an infectious disease transmitted via the oro-fecal route. It may cause paralysis. An efficient vaccine exits against this disease.

Due to the risk of schistosomiasis and other parasitic infestations in Senegal, travelers are advised not to bathe in fresh waters (lake, rivers.) and should not walk bare-foot.

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

HIV prevalence is seizable: according to UNAIDS, 1% of the adult population (15-49 years) is HIV positive.

Tuberculosis is present in the country.

There are occasionnally endemic episodes of meningitis, between February and spring. Cases are mainly concentrated in Eastern Senegal, but several cases were also reported in the center of the country (Kaolack, Fatick) and in Dakar.