Children in France fall ill with mysterious infection, one dies - what we know
In France, several children contract a severe gastrointestinal infection, some of them also suffering from a rare form of kidney failure. One child dies. Authorities are frantically searching for the cause.
Seven children in northern France were admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital in Saint-Quentin (near Belgium) within a few days with severe diarrhea . Four of them developed a rare form of acute kidney failure, from which a 12-year-old child has since died, the prefecture announced.
Authorities are frantically searching for the cause of the illnesses and possible connections. The trigger could be food poisoning, although investigations indicate that the children did not eat at the same location and attended different facilities.
The children, aged between one and twelve, were admitted to the clinic between June 13 and 18 and come from the city of Saint-Quentin, which has a population of 53,000, or the surrounding area.
Four of them developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This is a rare, serious blood and kidney disease in which numerous small blood clots suddenly form in the body. According to the medical portal " MSD Manual, " these clots block the blood supply to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys. In addition, red blood platelets break down and anemia occurs, which can lead to kidney failure .
HUS usually occurs as a result of an intestinal infection. Those affected have previously consumed food contaminated with E. coli or other toxin-producing bacteria. The disease occurs primarily in children, but adults can also be affected.
HUS is characterized by the sudden onset of symptoms. The first symptoms include:
- Vomit
- Diarrhea (often bloody)
The blood clots that form in the kidneys cause severe kidney damage , which can progress to kidney failure. Neurological symptoms, however, are rare.
HUS is usually diagnosed through blood tests and urine tests to measure kidney function. About half of those affected require kidney dialysis to remove waste products from the blood. In most cases, the kidneys heal, but some suffer permanent kidney damage.
Each year, only 100 to 165 cases of children with HU syndrome are documented in France.
Authorities in northern France urged parents to alert emergency services if they found their children suffering from severe diarrhea. They noted that diarrhea is contagious, making hygiene important.
Additionally, young children should not consume foods made with raw milk or drink water that doesn't come from a bottle or tap. Swallowing water while swimming in a river or pond can also be unhealthy.
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