E. coli poisoning in Aisne: two new cases recorded in children

Two new cases have been detected following E. coli poisoning in the Aisne region, the Hauts-de-France Regional Health Agency (ARS) announced in a situation update on Saturday, June 28, specifying that these are children who "have not developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and are being monitored at home."

"Since June 12, 28 cases have been recorded: 27 children and 1 elderly person were treated for severe digestive symptoms, 10 of whom developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)," the organization wrote.

To date, seven people remain hospitalized, and 19 have been discharged and returned home. A 12-year-old girl died as a result of the infection on June 16.

Analyses carried out in butcher shops suspected of being the source of these poisonings confirmed traces of E. coli contamination, the Aisne prefecture announced on Friday.

"In the initial analysis results obtained, traces of contamination by the E. coli bacteria were detected in the meat or on the surfaces of some of the butcher shops that were investigated," she explained.

Of the six establishments initially closed as a precaution, one has been allowed to reopen . Tests were conducted in the butcher's shop and proved "negative" for E. coli bacteria. However, the activity of five other butcher's shops remains suspended.

This Friday, the prefecture had already reported a new case, that of a child residing in Île-de-France who had recently stayed in the Saint-Quentin region several times.

On June 21, the Saint-Quentin public prosecutor's office opened a preliminary investigation into charges of "involuntary manslaughter," "involuntary injury," "endangerment and deception aggravated by endangering human health."

The investigations were entrusted to Oclaesp (Central Office for Combating Environmental and Public Health Attacks), BNEVP (National Brigade for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Investigations) and the Saint-Quentin police station.