In Saint-Quentin, northern France, a 12-year-old girl has tragically died as a result of a severe outbreak of food poisoning, prompting immediate action from local health authorities. Following the emergence of symptoms on June 12, eight children aged 1 to 12 have been hospitalized, with reports citing severe digestive issues, including bloody diarrhoea.
The case leading to the girl's death is linked to a rare disease known as haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), commonly triggered by E.coli bacteria. The local health authority in Hauts-de-France confirmed the ongoing situation, revealing that five of the hospitalized children have developed HUS.
Local mayor Frédérique Macarez noted that a total of 10 confirmed cases have been reported, urging caution among residents. Authorities are particularly focused on two local butchers, as five children are believed to have consumed meat from one shop, while another child bought products from the second butcher before showing symptoms.
While authorities have cautioned that they lack definitive proof linking the illnesses to the butchers, samples from both establishments have been sent for lab testing to ascertain their safety. In a heart-wrenching message on social media, one butcher expressed their sorrow over the events, extending condolences to the victim's family.
Parents in the area have been advised against consuming specific meat products purchased from the two butchers earlier this month. The town officials also clarified that the local tap water is safe for consumption and urged families to maintain strict hygiene practices, including frequent hand-washing and adequately cooking meat.
