Madar (Dakar) - The Kebemer health district, in the Louga region of north-western Senegal, has recorded 548 cases of "acute digestive syndrome suggesting collective food poisoning", including 65 new cases reported between 5 and 6 November, according to a statement from Senegal's Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene carried on Friday, 6 November, by the state-owned daily Le Soleil.
According to the latest epidemiological surveillance data, compiled at 10:30 on Friday, the cases were recorded at nine sites in the district.
"The patients' state of health is stable. Three people are currently under observation. No severe case or death has been recorded to date," the ministry said.
Investigations led by joint teams from the Louga regional health directorate and the ministry's prevention directorate, supported by district teams, are continuing in a bid to identify a possible common source of contamination. Awareness campaigns on food and water hygiene are being carried out with the administrative authorities and local councils.
The ministry urged residents to remain vigilant, follow preventive measures and go without delay to the nearest health facility if they develop symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain or fever. It asked citizens to rely only on official channels and pledged to keep the public informed of any significant development.
