Poisonings in Aisne: a new case brings to 28 the number of children contaminated by the E. coli bacteria

Another child has been affected by severe digestive symptoms in the Aisne region, bringing the number of cases recorded since June 12 to 28 children and one elderly person, the prefecture announced on Sunday, June 29, noting that this would be a "secondary" contamination.

Since June 12, in the Saint-Quentin metropolitan area, "29 cases have been recorded (28 children and 1 elderly person), 10 of them developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)," a serious complication affecting the kidneys, write the Aisne prefecture and the Regional Health Agency (ARS) 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 done systematically 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 department of a supermarket was able to resume its activity.

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