E. coli poisoning in Aisne: a new case in a child, the 29th infected since June 12

Since June 12, in the Saint-Quentin metropolitan area, "29 cases have been recorded (28 children and one elderly person), ten of whom developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)," a serious complication affecting the kidneys, the Aisne prefecture and the Regional Health Agency (ARS) wrote in a press release. An 11-year-old child died on June 16. Since the last update, released Saturday evening, "a new case of a child has been recorded," but like the two previous ones, "he did not develop the syndrome" and was able to return home. "As of June 29, seven patients remain hospitalized," the press release continues.

"According to the investigations, the last two cases are the result of contamination between people within the family circle," a "secondary" contamination linked to "the transmission by hands of bacteria present in the stools of sick people." The prefecture and the ARS (Regional Health Agency) reiterate the importance of handwashing, which "must be systematic before preparing meals or after using the toilet."

On Friday, they announced that analyses carried out in butcher shops suspected of being the source of this series of poisonings had confirmed traces of contamination by the E. coli bacteria. The activity of five of the six establishments that had been preventively closed by the authorities remained "suspended," while the butcher's section of a supermarket was able to resume its activity.