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Outbreak
E. Coli Outbreak linked to Two Butchers
7 months ago •source bbc.com
Saint-Quentin, 02100 Hauts-de-France, France
####Update June 25th. 2025:Health authorities have now confirmed 23 cases linked to the E. coli outbreak in the Saint-Quentin area, including 22 children and 1 elderly person. Of these, 9 developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Currently, 10 individuals remain hospitalized, while 12 have been discharged. All are under medical supervision.
Authorities are continuing investigations into the source of the contamination. So far, six butcher shops in Saint-Quentin remain under preventive suspension, and product testing is ongoing. Genomic sequencing is being performed to determine if a direct link exists between contaminated meat and patient samples. Results are expected by the end of the week.
Events Under Review:
Health officials have issued an alert regarding three recent public events where meat from suspended butcher shops may have been served:
- "Festival des petits as" (June 21–22)
- Gauchy mini-basketball festival (June 21)
- Etaves-et-Bocquiaux school fair (June 20)
Participants are urged to monitor their health and contact medical services if symptoms appear.
Source: Agence régionale de santé (ARS) Hauts‑de‑France
June 12th, 2025:
A severe food poisoning outbreak in northern France has resulted in the death of a 12-year-old girl and the hospitalization of seven other children. The outbreak, suspected to be linked to E.coli bacteria, is centered around Saint-Quentin, south of Lille. Two local butchers have been closed as a precautionary measure.
The outbreak symptoms began on June 12, with children aged 1-12 experiencing severe digestive issues, including bloody diarrhea. Five of the hospitalized children developed haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), a rare condition associated with acute kidney failure. The regional health authority in Hauts-de-France reported the latest case on Wednesday evening, bringing the total to 10 confirmed cases, including one child in Reims.
The problem was discovered after several children who had consumed meat from the two butchers fell ill. Local authorities have sent samples from the shops for analysis to determine the source of the contamination. While the exact cause remains unconfirmed, authorities have ruled out local tap water as a factor and are advising the public to maintain strict hygiene practices at home.
Source: www.hauts-de-france.ars.sante.fr/intoxications-alimentaires-severes-dans-lagglomeration-de-saint-quentin-points-de-situation
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