“Informed, we can act.” On 9 October 2026, the day after the reopening of the social campuses, CROUS Ziguinchor launched a prevention campaign on diphtheria. The institution specifies that it is an information and prevention message: its publication does not report a confirmed case on campus. It does, however, ask people not to play down symptoms.

A contagious infection#

Diphtheria is, CROUS/Z recalls, “a contagious infection that mainly affects the throat and respiratory tract”. It can be serious, but “vaccination provides effective protection”.

It is mainly transmitted by respiratory droplets released when coughing, sneezing or talking, and through close contact with an infected person. More rarely, contact with contaminated objects or skin lesions can also be the cause.

Signs to know#

The Medical Service lists symptoms that should not be played down:

• an unusual sore throat;
• fever;
• marked tiredness or weakness;
• swollen glands or a swollen neck;
• difficulty swallowing;
• a greyish or whitish patch in the throat;
• difficulty breathing, in severe forms.

Good reflexes#

Faced with the risk, the poster lists five actions anyone can take right away:

• check that your diphtheria vaccination is up to date;
• wash your hands regularly with soap and water;
• cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing;
• avoid close contact if you have symptoms;
• regularly air shared spaces: classrooms, rooms, lecture halls.

This advice matters particularly at the start of the year, when many students share the same rooms, canteens and pavilions.

What to do if you have symptoms#

The message is clear. A person with suspicious signs should wear a mask, limit contacts and quickly contact the CROUS/Z Medical Service. Difficulty breathing or swallowing, a marked swelling of the neck or a greyish patch in the throat “require an urgent consultation”.

“Protecting yourself also means protecting others.”

Where to turn#

The Medical Service’s contact details, consultation hours and the services of the medical and social division are listed on the Medical and social page. CROUS/Z also asks people to share the post: “Information passed on at the right time can make all the difference.” The campaign comes a few days after Pink October, and extends the institution’s commitment to student health.

The Medical Service is not the only one who can answer: if you are unsure about your vaccination status, a health professional can check it and suggest any necessary update.