Hospitals in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou are reporting a surge of patients suffering from an unidentified fever that health experts say may be linked to the spread of Rift Valley fever across West Africa.

Mauritania is facing outbreaks of diphtheria and Rift Valley fever that have killed 36 people in recent weeks. Hundreds of cases have been recorded across several regions, exposing gaps in health capacity and the impact of seasonal rains that heighten disease spread in the Sahel.

Senegal is confronting monkeypox and Rift Valley fever outbreaks, with no deaths from monkeypox but eight Rift Valley fever fatalities, mostly in Saint-Louis. Authorities are tracing contacts, boosting surveillance, and stepping up community outreach to control the spread.

Mauritania and Senegal are responding to a Rift Valley Fever outbreak that has killed 10 people. Health authorities, with WHO support, are boosting surveillance and urging safe handling of livestock and animal products to contain the virus.