France - ​​​​​​​Mysterious gastroenteritis epidemic in Prades: a health investigation launched

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Prades

Mysterious gastroenteritis epidemic in Prades: a health investigation launched

François David
Published on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 2:15 p.m.

Several dozen Prades residents have been affected by gastric problems since Monday. The Regional Health Agency (ARS) is investigating, tap water has been banned from consumption, and bottled water has been distributed.

Since Monday, a resurgence of cases of gastric disorders has been worrying the town of Prades (Pyrénées-Orientales). During the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, the number of cases jumped, prompting the authorities to initiate an emergency health protocol in conjunction with the Regional Health Agency (ARS), which says it has identified " around thirty cases, particularly among adolescents ."

The prefecture is calling on residents showing symptoms to call 15 before going to emergency services, particularly the Saint-Michel Clinic in Prades, which is already in high demand.

Tap water trail investigated

A laboratory commissioned by the ARS (Regional Health Agency) is taking new samples from the drinking water network this Wednesday. Initial analyses, conducted on Tuesday, were negative. Additional tests this time will include virus testing.

In the meantime, as a precautionary measure, tap water is prohibited from consumption. It can still be used for cooking provided it is boiled first.

The ARS health monitoring unit has launched an investigation to identify the cause of this sudden epidemic and adapt management measures. The objective is to understand the dynamics of the episode and limit its spread as much as possible.

Distribution of bottled water

For the most vulnerable people, a distribution of bottles has been set up from this Wednesday midday at the CCAS of Prades, exceptionally open from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The prefecture also recommends that all residents increase their hygiene practices to limit the spread of the virus. Additional information is expected to be released in the coming hours.

https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/sante-sciences/mysterieuse-epidemie-de-gastro-a-prades-une-enquete-sanitaire-declenchee-1985616

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Translation Google

Health situation - Prades - 10.09.

Updated on 10/09/2025

Information on the health situation

Following an increase in the number of people suffering from gastric problems since Monday in the commune of Prades, and in view of the significant number of sick people during the night, a health protocol has been implemented with the Regional Health Agency (ARS).

First of all, in case of symptoms, calling 15 is recommended before going to the emergency room, particularly the Saint-Michel Clinic in Prades.

Furthermore, the ARS has commissioned a laboratory to take additional water samples today, as those taken yesterday proved negative. The analyses will include a search for viruses.

Finally, an investigation is being conducted by the ARS health monitoring unit into all the possible causes of this episode in order to understand the dynamics of this episode and to guide the implementation of the most appropriate management measures and thus limit the impact of this episode.

As a precautionary principle, while awaiting the results of the various investigations, it is recommended to apply barrier gestures and hygiene measures to limit the spread, and it is forbidden to drink tap water until further notice. However, it can be used for cooking after boiling.

The distribution of bottles for the most vulnerable people is being implemented immediately at the CCAS, which is exceptionally open between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Further information will be communicated at a later date.

https://www.pyrenees-orientales.gouv.fr/Actualites/Communique-de-presse/Annee-2025/Septembre-2025/Situation-sanitaire-Prades-10.09

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Mysterious gastroenteritis epidemic in Prades: "My daughter and my wife were sick," says a resident

Radio France - Philippe Paupert
Broadcast onThursday, September 11, 2025 at 7:31 AM

The Regional Health Agency recommends against drinking tap water in Prades (Pyrénées-Orientales), as several dozen residents are affected by gastric problems. A report from the distribution of bottled water this Wednesday.

Latest updated information, as of Thursday, September 11: The Regional Health Agency now reports 110 cases of gastroenteritis . On Wednesday, September 10, three new people were admitted to the emergency room. Young people make up about two-thirds of the patients. The ARS has still not found which virus is responsible for this epidemic. According to the analyses, water is ultimately not responsible for the contamination , but the authorities are awaiting further results this Friday, September 12, to lift, or not, the ban on drinking tap water in Prades and the surrounding towns.

Authorities have not yet been able to identify the origin of the virus that affected several dozen residents of Prades earlier this week. The first cases were identified in primary schools. "Everything was going well, and on Tuesday evening, starting at 11:30 p.m., my son started vomiting ," says Sandrine. " He wouldn't stop. It lasted until morning, so we went to the clinic."

Adults have also been infected , like Patrice's. "My daughter was affected, she vomited all night. Now, it's my wife."

Tap water consumption is prohibited until further notice in Prades

New bottle distribution this Thursday

The Regional Health Agency has banned water consumption, even for cooking, in Prades and all of the following municipalities: Eus, Marquixanes, Los Masos, Clara-Villerach, Ria, and part of Catllar. A distribution of bottles was organized on Wednesday at the Prades CCAS. Two 1.5-liter bottles per person. Further distributions are planned for this Thursday, between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., at the Lousa hall , upon presentation of proof of address.

https://www.francebleu.fr/emissions/l-info-d-ici-ici-roussillon/mysterieuse-epidemie-de-gastro-a-prades-2136173