The health situation in Senegal is going through a delicate moment, marked by the appearance of new disturbing cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (FHCC) and increasing reports of dengue and Chikungunya. While the country records its first death linked to the FHCC, the health authorities appeal to vigilance to prevent the propagation of these serious illnesses, whose modes of transmission are diverse.
Crime-Congo hemorrhagic fever: a persistent threat
The FHCC, a very serious viral disease, arouses a particular concern, because it can lead to rapid deaths if it is not properly taken care of. Transmitted mainly by infected ticks (especially of the hyalmoma genus), this hemorrhagic fever can also spread by contact with blood or body fluids of infected animals, such as cattle, sheep and goats. In human environment, transmission can occur by direct contact with the body fluids of a sick person, especially in health care contexts.
Preventive measures against FHCC focus on reducing contact with ticks and infected animals. It is recommended to wear long clothes, use repellents and carefully inspect the skin after any exposure in risk zone. People handling animals or meat must imperatively use protective equipment such as gloves and masks. In hospital, compliance with standard precautions (wearing gloves, rigorous disinfection) is essential to limit the risk of interhuman transmission.
Dengue and chikungunya: the invasion of mosquitoes
In parallel, Senegal faces an upsurge in cases of dengue and chikungunya, two viral diseases transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes, active mainly during the day, prick humans and transmit viruses responsible for these infections. Unlike the FHCC, these two diseases are not transmitted directly from one person to another.
-To avoid the transmission of dengue and chikungunya, the authorities recommend eliminating larval lodges by evacuating the stagnant waters present in the containers (buckets, used tires, etc.). The use of mosquito nets impregnated with insecticide and repellents to keep mosquitoes away is highly recommended. Just like wearing covering clothing to reduce the risk of bites. In addition, it is advisable to avoid the highly infested areas of mosquitoes as long as it is possible.
Vigilance in Africa in the face of epidemics
Senegal is not the only country faced with these diseases. Several African countries have recently been affected by epidemics of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue and Chikungunya. In 2020, South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya recorded cases of FHCC, especially in rural areas where contacts with ticks are frequent. Dengue, on the other hand, has experienced an upsurge in several countries in West Africa.
This is particularly the case in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Burkina Faso, where climatic conditions promote the proliferation of mosquitoes. The authorities of these countries have implemented control measures, such as spraying insecticides and awareness campaigns on the dangers of stagnant water.
As for Chikungunya, epidemics have also struck countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon, where recurring outbreaks of this viral disease have been reported. In these regions, the fight against mosquitoes and prevention of bites are essential to contain the spread of the virus.
