In a tragic incident unfolding in Saint-Quentin, a town in northern France, a severe food poisoning outbreak has led to the death of a 12-year-old girl, with at least seven other children hospitalized. The troubling situation began on June 12, when children aged between 1 and 12 started exhibiting symptoms indicative of severe foodborne illness. As the days progressed, the affected children were promptly admitted to hospitals.
The regional health authority in Hauts-de-France has reported that the incident is linked to a rare condition known as haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), often stemming from E. coli bacterial infection, which can precipitate critical kidney failure. The mayor of Saint-Quentin, Frédérique Macarez, confirmed that with ten confirmed cases, including one child being treated further afield in Reims, there is considerable concern regarding the health of the children impacted.
Investigations suggest that five of the hospitalized children consumed meat from one of the two now-closed butchers, while another child may have purchased meat from the second butcher days prior to falling ill. Although results are pending from laboratory samples taken from both establishments, the local authorities acknowledge that there is not yet definitive proof linking these shops to the outbreak.
In light of the circumstances, parents have been alerted and advised to avoid certain products from the butchers, including merguez sausages and lamb purchased in early June. In a statement on social media, one butcher expressed deep sorrow, offering condolences to the family of the young victim. Authorities are also urging families to maintain rigorous hygiene practices at home, emphasizing the importance of regular hand washing, thoroughly cooking food, and properly handling raw and cooked ingredients to mitigate risks associated with foodborne illnesses.
With investigations ongoing, local health officials are taking all necessary precautions to address and contain the outbreak while ensuring public safety is the utmost priority.
