In Aisne, three new cases of E. coli poisoning, including an elderly person

Three new cases of food poisoning linked to the Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, involving two children and an elderly person, were announced on Tuesday by the Aisne prefecture, bringing the number of people affected to 22 so far.

This is the first time an elderly person has been affected since the first cases appeared in the Saint-Quentin metropolitan area on June 12. The other 21 cases involve children, including a 12-year-old girl who died on June 16.

These three new cases compared to the previous update on Monday did not develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication affecting the kidneys and requiring dialysis treatment, the prefecture specified.

To date, " ten people remain hospitalized, four of whom are receiving dialysis. Eleven have been able to leave the hospital and return home," she added. All of the children are receiving "continuous medical monitoring."

The origin of the contamination is still unknown

Investigations to find the origin of the contamination continue.

Suspecting a foodborne illness linked to meat, authorities have since last week preemptively closed four halal butcher shops and two supermarket meat departments in the Saint-Quentin metropolitan area. Samples are still being collected from these outlets.

Food investigations into the origin of contamination carried out in recent days "have not revealed any new businesses" , the prefecture further stressed.

Meat from now-closed establishments was served at the Festival des Petits As football tournament , held Saturday and Sunday in Saint-Quentin, as well as at a mini-basketball party on Saturday in Gauchy, a neighboring town.

The new cases of contamination announced on Tuesday have no connection with these two sporting events, a spokesperson for the prefecture told AFP.

In parallel with the health investigation, a preliminary investigation against unknown persons was opened last week by the Saint-Quentin public prosecutor's office for involuntary manslaughter, involuntary injury, endangering the lives of others and deception regarding goods presenting a danger to human life.