Five people became ill in France, two severely, and one in Belgium after drinking a brand of raw fermented milk.
In France, four children and one adult were infected with Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O26:H11. They became ill in late March and early April this year.
Sainte-Public France is investigating two cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in the Hauts-de-France and Ile-de-France regions. The latter was in the situation of an infection explosion within the family. Suspicious food is fermented raw milk. HUS is a serious complication associated with E. coli infection that causes renal failure.
“Sequencing of strains isolated within these outbreaks confirmed the same genomic profile. We were able to sample it. It was fermented raw milk from Belgium,” the official said. food safety news.
This milk sample from the Hauts de France was tested by the National Laboratory of Standards (NRL). The NRL, with the support of the National Reference Center (CNR), is conducting sequencing to confirm if there is a link based on comparing the results to human strains.
Last week, France recalled a brand of fermented milk called Ferme du Mortier. The farm is located in Reckem, Belgium. This announcement covers all lots sold after mid-March. The drink comes in a 2-liter bottle with a red or green cap. It was distributed at some Loasis stores in Lille.
Belgian angle
This was announced by the Federal Food Chain Safety Agency (FASFC). food safety news There is one sick adult in Belgium.
“There is a match between the sick person-derived strains identified in Belgium and the strains analyzed by France. Therefore, a link between the products consumed and the disease may be established,” the agency said. a spokesperson said.
In Belgium, a traceability investigation by the authorities is ongoing. Production at the company has been temporarily halted to allow authorities to carry out this work. STEC was not detected in 10 samples and swabs collected by FASFC and analyzed by Ciensano, the Belgian National Institute of Public Health.
In a general warning, French health authorities said, as a precaution, raw milk and cheeses made from raw milk should not be fed to young children, especially children under the age of five. This recommendation should also be followed by pregnant women with weakened immune systems. People and old people.
About Escherichia coli infection
Anyone who has eaten a related product and develops symptoms of an E. coli infection should seek medical attention and inform them of possible food poisoning. Special tests are needed to diagnose infections that mimic other diseases.
Symptoms of E. coli infection vary from person to person, but they often include severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and are often bloody. Fever may occur in some patients. Most patients he recovers within 5-7 days. Some people develop serious or life-threatening symptoms and complications, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
About 5 to 10 percent of people diagnosed with an E. coli infection develop a potentially life-threatening complication of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, infrequent urination, minor bruising or bleeding of unknown origin, and a pale face.
Most people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent damage or even die. This condition can occur in people of all ages, but he is best suited for children under the age of 5 due to an immature immune system, elderly people due to a weakened immune system, cancer patients and others with weakened immune systems. Most common in people with
People who experience symptoms of HUS should seek emergency medical care immediately. Patients with HUS may be hospitalized as they may develop other serious ongoing problems such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurological problems.
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