A 12-year-old girl has died and seven other children have been hospitalized in northern France following a severe outbreak of food poisoning centered around the town of Saint-Quentin, near Lille.
Sudden Symptoms and Rapid Escalation
The outbreak began on June 12, when children between the ages of 1 and 12 began exhibiting alarming digestive symptoms, including bloody diarrhea. Over the following days, they were rushed to hospitals in the Hauts-de-France region for emergency care.
Local health authorities say five of the eight hospitalized children developed haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) a rare but potentially fatal condition that causes acute kidney failure, often linked to E. coli infections.
A Life Lost
The 12-year-old girl succumbed to the infection on Monday, marking the first confirmed fatality in the outbreak. According to the prefect of the Aisne department, her death was directly caused by HUS complications.
The most recent case was reported Wednesday evening, and authorities warn that more cases may still emerge.
Mystery Around the Source
The outbreak has stumped investigators, as the affected children did not attend the same schools or daycares, nor did they share meals. This has made identifying a common source of infection exceptionally difficult.
Importantly, local tap water has been ruled out as a cause. Authorities confirmed that water in the area is safe for drinking and daily use.
Still, the origin of contamination remains unknown, though suspicion has turned toward contaminated meat.
Food Safety Investigations Underway
On Thursday, multiple butcher shops in Saint-Quentin were shut down by food safety inspectors, according to reports from L’Aisne Nouvelle. One butcher confirmed that officials had confiscated all meat products, marinades, and spices for testing.
Meanwhile, biological analyses are ongoing to identify the specific bacterial strain responsible for the outbreak.
Government Response and Safety Measures
Health authorities are urging families to remain vigilant and practice strict food safety precautions at home, including:
- Thorough handwashing before meals and after using the toilet
- Washing fruits and vegetables before consumption
- Cooking meat thoroughly, especially minced or ground meat
- Separating raw and cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination
Parents are also advised to monitor children for any symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, or vomiting, and seek immediate medical care if symptoms worsen.
Community in Mourning
The tragic death has shocked the community in Saint-Quentin, and local leaders have expressed condolences to the family of the deceased girl. Schools and childcare centers have also heightened awareness efforts, distributing health leaflets and offering guidance to concerned parents.
As authorities continue to investigate, the region remains on high alert, hoping to contain the outbreak and prevent further tragedy.
Written By Joe Brens
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