"An outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) occurred in Senegal in September 2025..."

Rapid Response to Rift Valley Fever Outbreak in Senegal

An outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in Senegal during September 2025 prompted a swift international response, with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture.

Scientists in the two most affected regions rapidly sequenced the virus, enabling local authorities to respond quickly and contain the spread of the disease.

The Threat

Rift Valley fever is a viral zoonotic disease that primarily affects livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats.

Humans can be infected through mosquito bites or contact with blood or organs of infected animals.

In animals, RVF causes serious illness and pregnancy loss. Human cases range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe complications in a small proportion of patients.

Impact and Response

The outbreak affected both people and livestock in Senegal and neighboring regions. The rapid sequencing of the virus was critical in allowing authorities to implement targeted control measures and mitigate the impact of the outbreak.