Diphtheria in Senegal: symptoms, transmission, vaccination... what to know in the face of the epidemic

Senegal is experiencing a resurgence of diphtheria cases since early August 2026, following the deaths of children under five at the Amath Dansokho Regional Hospital in Kédougou. As of September 4, 34 confirmed cases, including six deaths, have been recorded, mainly among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children. Diphtheria, a contagious disease, is transmitted through respiratory droplets and can be prevented through vaccination.