Health alert in Kébémer: 649 cases recorded, salmonella suspected.

The outbreak of foodborne illness continues to mobilize all health authorities in the Kébémer department. As of November 10, 2026, the total number of cases has risen to 649, spread across 11 reporting sites. While no new cases were recorded during the day, the exact source of the contamination remains to be determined. Health investigations are ongoing, particularly concerning institutional food services.

The outbreak of digestive disorders affecting the Kébémer department appears to have paused, though it is not yet fully under control. According to the latest situation report from the health district, dated Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., 649 cases of acute digestive syndrome suggestive of a foodborne illness outbreak have been recorded since the alert began. No new cases were reported today, compared to seven additional cases recorded the previous day. This trend could indicate a slowdown in the spread, although health authorities remain vigilant in the face of a situation whose causes have not yet been definitively established.

Behind this tally, two facilities account for the majority of cases. The Kébémer health center alone has 399 cases, representing 61.5% of the total. The Serigne Saliou clinic comes in second with 99 cases, or 15.3%. Together, these two facilities account for 498 patients, or 76.7% of the recorded cases. However, the outbreak is not limited to these establishments. Cases have also been reported at the Diamaguène health post (54 cases), in Thiolom Fall (30 cases), at the infirmary of the Auxiliary Gendarmerie Training Center (22 cases), in Diokoul (21 cases), and at the Kébémer prison (12 cases). Other reports come from Thieppe, Ndande, Lompoul, and Ngourane.

The possibility of a mass infection is still being explored.

One element is particularly drawing the attention of the investigation teams: the presence of cases in closed communal settings. The Auxiliary Gendarmerie Training Center and the Detention and Correctional Center together account for 34 cases. This concentration reinforces suspicions of a common exposure, particularly through communal dining. On the ground, the investigation continues to identify the source of contamination. Analyses carried out at the Pasteur Institute in Dakar have isolated salmonella in five out of five patients analyzed. However, the results of serological and antibiogram tests are still pending.

Six additional stool samples were sent to the Pasteur Institute and the laboratory at the Amadou Sakhir Ndiéguène Regional Hospital in Louga. Initial results revealed no Salmonella , Shigella , or Vibrio cholerae . However, Escherichia coli (E. coli) was detected in three samples. The investigations are not limited to the patients. Samples of sachet water, tap water, and food were also collected and sent to the National Laboratory for Analysis and Control (LANAC) and the Regional Hygiene Brigade. The results of these analyses are still pending.

At the same time, hygiene services inspected food preparation and catering facilities. A visit to the weekly market (Louma), conducted in the presence of the prefect and technical services, revealed deficiencies in the display and storage of several foodstuffs.

Despite the high number of reported cases, the clinical picture remains relatively reassuring. The health district reports that all patients are stable and several have already recovered. No serious cases or deaths have been reported. No patients are currently hospitalized, as all are being treated on an outpatient basis. While awaiting the final test results, health authorities are continuing their awareness campaigns on food and water hygiene. The next update is scheduled for November 11, 2026. The challenge now is to trace the source of this contamination to prevent further outbreaks in the department.