A devastating food poisoning outbreak in northern France has claimed the life of a 12-year-old girl, with seven other children hospitalized since symptoms first appeared on June 12 in Saint-Quentin, situated south of Lille. The girl succumbed to a rare and severe condition called haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) associated with acute kidney failure, confirmed by the local prefect in the Aisne region.
The regional health authority in Hauts-de France reported that symptoms leading to hospitalizations included serious digestive issues, notably bloody diarrhea, with five of the affected children diagnosed with HUS. Despite the emerging cases, health officials have yet to pinpoint the food source responsible for the outbreak, as the children had not dined together and their food was sourced independently.
Currently, health authorities are conducting biological analyses to identify the specific bacterial strain responsible for the outbreak. While E.coli is the most common cause of HUS, the investigation has ruled out contaminated tap water as a potential source, assuring safety for daily use.
Food inspectors are probing local butcher shops to determine if tainted meat could have played a role. According to reports from L'Aisne nouvelle, several butchers in Saint-Quentin have been temporarily shut down for investigation, with one butcher noting that all his meat, marinades, and spices were confiscated for testing.
In light of the outbreak, parents are urged to remain vigilant regarding hygiene practices at home. Authorities recommend consistent hand-washing, washing of fruits and vegetables, ensuring thorough cooking of meat, and maintaining a careful separation between raw and cooked foods to mitigate further risks.
