A second child died of serious contamination with E. coli bacteria in early March, after a first case reported in February, alert Saturday Public Health France, which wants to send a message “prevention of food risks”.
26 cases declared in 2022 and 22 others under investigation
As of March 11, 2022, 26 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) “linked to E.coli bacteria with similar characteristics” have been identified in children aged 1 to 15 and “two children have died”, said the health agency in a press release. “An additional 22 cases are under investigation,” the agency added.
At this stage, the epidemiological investigation has not made it possible to incriminate a particular source of contamination.
The health authorities “are continuing to investigate all cases of pediatric HUS reported since January 1, 2022 on national territory in order to identify a possible source of common contamination and to put in place appropriate measures (for example withdrawal-recalls of incriminated products),” the statement read.
But “at this stage, the epidemiological investigation has not made it possible to incriminate a particular source of contamination”, which is why “the health authorities are renewing the general recommendations for the prevention of food risks, particularly in children under the age of 16 years old” and the elderly.
Beware of minced beef and raw milk
Among these recommendations: hand washing must be systematic before preparing meals, meats, especially ground beef, must be thoroughly cooked and raw milk, cheeses made from raw milk and dairy products made from raw milk should not be consumed by children under 5 years of age.
The recommendations also concern flour-based preparations (pizza/cookie dough/cake/pie, etc.) which should not be eaten raw or undercooked. Vegetables, salads, fruits, herbs must be thoroughly washed before consumption, as must kitchen utensils (especially when they have previously been in contact with raw foods) and work surfaces.
In addition, children should not drink untreated water (well water, torrent, etc.) and contact of very young children (under 5 years old) with cows, calves, sheep, goats, etc. should be avoided. fallow deer, etc., and their environment. In the event of contact with these animals, hand washing must be systematic, recalls Public Health France.