France - Saint-Quentin, Aisne: several cases of severe food poisoning, including 8 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome, 1 death - most likely cause of contamination is meat consumption

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Saint-Quentin, Aisne
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SAINT-QUENTIN: Several cases of severe food poisoning

Updated on 06/18/2025




SAINT-QUENTIN: Several cases of severe food poisoning, including 4 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome

Seven cases of mucous-filled diarrhea have been reported in children aged 1 to 12 living in Saint-Quentin and the surrounding area. Symptoms began between June 12 and 17, and four of them developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), one of whom died. Public Health France (SPF) and the regional health agency (ARS) are conducting investigations to identify the source of the infections. Update as of June 18 The ARS (Regional Health Agency) was informed of the death on June 16 of a 12-year-old child living in Saint-Quentin from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is a rare complication characterized by acute renal failure, due to the presence of Shiga toxin. Six other children, also living in or near Saint-Quentin, were treated in the emergency room of the Saint-Quentin hospital between June 13 and 18 for severe digestive symptoms (bloody diarrhea), three of whom had HUS. Biological analyses are underway to identify the bacterial strain that infected each child and to determine whether these strains have similar characteristics. An investigation is underway to determine the origin of this poisoning. As soon as these cases were reported, SPF and ARS immediately began investigations to look for a possible common origin of the contamination. The initial elements of the investigation did not establish that these seven children ate meals together. At the current stage of the investigation, it appears that the children do not all attend the same groups and the families have multiple sources of food. Investigations are actively continuing. HUS, a complication of a bacterial disease HUS is an infectious disease most often of food origin that occurs in most cases as a complication of poisoning by a bacterium of the Escherichia coli (E. coli) family. An infection by the E. coli bacteria manifests itself by diarrhea often accompanied by blood, abdominal pain and sometimes vomiting which can progress, after about a week, to a severe form of the infection. This manifests itself by great fatigue, pallor and a patient who urinates much less (or not at all), with darker urine. This is called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The patient must be hospitalized quickly and receive appropriate treatment. This disease remains uncommon with between 100 and 165 children recorded each year by Public Health France. Consult a doctor immediately in case of bloody diarrhea. If you notice that your child has bloody diarrhea, call 15. Person-to-person transmission is possible, particularly in household settings or in groups of young children. Hand hygiene measures should therefore be routine in cases of diarrhea. Hygiene recommendations to prevent the risk of foodborne illness As with any foodborne illness, prevention involves respecting the following rules: Hand washing should be systematic before preparing meals. Children under 5 years old should not consume raw milk products. Vegetables, fruits and herbs should be washed thoroughly, especially when eaten raw. Raw foods should be stored separately from cooked or ready-to-eat foods. Cooked meals and leftover food should be refrigerated promptly and reheated thoroughly and consumed promptly. Kitchen utensils (especially those that have previously been in contact with raw food), as well as work surfaces, must be washed thoroughly. Children should not drink untreated water (well water, stream water, etc.) and avoid swallowing it when swimming (lake, pond, etc.). Meats must be cooked thoroughly. For more information on the disease and prevention measures, consult the website of Public Health France: Hemolytic uremic syndrome – Public Health France .

Download CP - SHU Saint-Quentin VF

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https://www.aisne.gouv.fr/Publications/Espace-presse/Communiques-et-dossiers-de-presse-2025/SAINT-QUENTIN-Plusieurs-cas-d-intoxications-alimentaires-severes

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Severe food poisoning in the Saint-Quentin area: Update as of June 19 and reminder of recommendations

Press release
June 19, 2025



Public Health France (SPF) and the Regional Health Agency (ARS) are conducting investigations to identify the source of the contamination.

Update as of June 19.

An eighth case of mucous-bloody diarrhea was confirmed on the evening of June 18 in a child living in the Saint-Quentin area. Since June 12, eight children living in or near Saint-Quentin have been treated for severe digestive symptoms (bloody diarrhea). Five of them developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), one of whom unfortunately died. Biological analyses are underway to identify the bacterial strain that infected each child.

All means are being mobilized to identify the origin of this poisoning and to treat the sick children.

Since the cases were first reported, Public Health France and the ARS have been deploying all means to identify a possible common source of the contamination. At the current stage of the investigations, the investigation has confirmed that these 8 children did not eat meals together and that they do not all attend the same groups. Investigations are continuing at all water supply points.

The health inspection carried out on June 17 confirms the absence of bacteriological contamination of the tap water: the tap water is therefore drinkable. It can be used for drinking and for all everyday purposes (toilets, dishes, cleaning, etc.). The latest water analyses carried out at the "La Bul" swimming pool, as well as in the town of Gauchy, are also compliant.

The search is actively continuing. More than thirty ARS and SPF employees are specifically mobilized to investigate with the families and in the environments frequented by the children, to coordinate medical services and to ensure that the population is informed, along with the prefecture and the town of Saint-Quentin.

The services of the Saint-Quentin Hospital Center, the regional hospitals, and the Amiens and Lille University Hospitals are organized and coordinated to care for patients who need them. Hospitalization capacity is sufficient to meet hospitalization needs.

Call 15 immediately in case of bloody diarrhea

If you notice your child has bloody diarrhea, call 15. Person-to-person transmission is possible, especially in the home or in groups of young children. Hand hygiene measures should therefore be routine in cases of diarrhea.

Hygiene recommendations to prevent the risk of foodborne illness

As with any foodborne illness, prevention involves respecting the following rules:

1. Hand washing should be systematic before preparing meals.
2. Children under 5 years old should not consume raw milk products.
3. Vegetables, fruits and herbs should be washed thoroughly, especially when eaten raw.
4. Raw foods should be stored separately from cooked or ready-to-eat foods.
5. Cooked meals and leftover food should be refrigerated promptly and reheated thoroughly and consumed promptly.
6. Kitchen utensils (especially those that have previously been in contact with raw food), as well as work surfaces, must be washed thoroughly.
7. Children should not drink untreated water (well water, stream water, etc.) and avoid swallowing it when swimming (lake, pond, etc.).
8. Meats must be cooked thoroughly.

For more information on the disease and prevention measures, consult the website of Public Health France: Hemolytic uremic syndrome – Public Health France.

HUS, a complication of a bacterial disease

HUS is an infectious disease most often of food origin that occurs in most cases as a complication of poisoning by a bacterium of the Escherichia coli (E. coli) family. An infection by the E. coli bacteria manifests itself by diarrhea often accompanied by blood, abdominal pain and sometimes vomiting which can progress, after about a week, to a severe form of the infection. This manifests itself by great fatigue, pallor and a patient who urinates much less (or not at all), with darker urine. This is called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The patient must be hospitalized quickly and receive appropriate treatment. This disease remains uncommon with between 100 and 165 children recorded each year by Public Health France.

https://www.hauts-de-france.ars.sant...ituation-au-19

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Severe food poisoning: update as of June 20

Updated on 06/20/2025




The activity of two butcher shops in Saint-Quentin has been suspended as a precaution pending the results of analyses of samples taken and the continuation of investigations with the families of the sick, as well as traceability investigations.

Investigations conducted by Public Health France into the cases of foodborne illness observed since June 12 in the Saint-Quentin metropolitan area have provided initial information. It appears that the sick children consumed meat or meat products from two establishments a few days before the onset of symptoms. It is not possible to confirm at this stage whether the consumption of products from these two establishments was the source of the contamination. Investigations into all cases are continuing.

As a precautionary measure, it was decided to immediately carry out an inspection by the services of the departmental directorate for the protection of populations of the two establishments from which the food consumed came: the butcher's shop "La Direction", boulevard Henri Martin in Saint-Quentin, which concerns 5 children; the butcher's shop "Family", 3 bis boulevard Gambetta in Saint-Quentin, which concerns 1 child.

Samples were taken to search for the causative bacteria. The samples are being sent to the national reference laboratory in Marcy-l'Étoile in the Rhône department for immediate culture. An investigation into the traceability of the meat used at these two establishments is also underway.

We must await the results of this investigation and the results of the analyses, which should be known at the beginning of next week.

However, it was decided to immediately suspend the activity of these establishments by prefectural decree of June 19. This decision is motivated by the risk of persistent bacterial contamination of the premises, equipment and materials or products for several weeks and by the urgency to act in view of the seriousness of the symptoms observed, including one death.

For both butcher shops, reopening is conditional on the results of the investigations and the reassuring evolution of the epidemiological situation.

As a precaution, you are asked to no longer consume food purchased in these two establishments.

As a precaution, the two professionals are withdrawing the sale of foodstuffs and recalling those sold since June ¹ .

People who purchased merguez, sausages and lamb meat between June 1 ^and 8 in these two establishments and who have not yet consumed them must refrain from consuming them and are invited to contact the departmental directorate for the protection of populations at ddpp@aisne.gouv.fr or by telephone 03 64 54 61 00, specifying the products concerned, their date of purchase, their storage conditions (refrigerator, freezer), and a telephone number to contact so that samples and analyses can be carried out.

If you or your children have consumed food from these two establishments, it is advisable to monitor your health.

Call 15 immediately in case of bloody diarrhea

If you notice your child has bloody diarrhea, call 15. Person-to-person transmission is possible, especially in the home or in groups of young children.
Hand hygiene measures should therefore be routine in cases of diarrhea.

Hygiene recommendations to prevent the risk of foodborne illness

As with any foodborne illness, prevention involves respecting the following rules:

• Hand washing should be systematic before preparing meals.
• Children under 5 years old should not consume raw milk products.
• Vegetables, fruits and herbs should be washed thoroughly, especially when eaten raw.
• Raw foods should be stored separately from cooked or ready-to-eat foods.
• Cooked meals and leftover food should be refrigerated promptly and reheated thoroughly and consumed promptly.
• Kitchen utensils (especially those that have previously been in contact with raw food), as well as work surfaces, must be washed thoroughly.
• Children should not drink untreated water (well water, stream water, etc.) and avoid swallowing it when swimming (lake, pond, etc.).
• Meats must be cooked thoroughly.

HUS, a complication of a bacterial disease

HUS [Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome] is an infectious disease most often of food origin that occurs in most cases as a complication of poisoning by a bacterium of the Escherichia coli (E. coli) family. An infection by the E. coli bacteria manifests itself by diarrhea often accompanied by blood, abdominal pain and sometimes vomiting which can progress, after about a week, to a severe form of the infection. This manifests itself by great fatigue, pallor and a patient who urinates much less (or not at all), with darker urine. This is called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The patient must be hospitalized quickly and receive appropriate treatment. This disease remains uncommon with between 100 and 165 children recorded each year by Public Health France.


Download CP - SHU Saint-Quentin - situation report no. 3 PDF - 0.17 Mb - 06/20/2025

https://www.aisne.gouv.fr/Publications/Espace-presse/Communiques-et-dossiers-de-presse-2025/Intoxications-alimentaires-severes-point-de-situation-au-20-juin

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Severe food poisoning in the Saint-Quentin area: Update as of June 20 and reminder of recommendations

Updated on 06/20/2025



Situation report

Since June 12, 11 children have been treated for severe digestive symptoms (bloody diarrhea). Six of them developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), one of whom unfortunately died.

Indeed, since yesterday evening, three new cases have been detected. One in a child living in the Saint-Quentin area and the other in a child living in the Marne department who consumed products from one of the two Saint-Quentin butcher shops whose operations were suspended on June 19. A final case, identified this evening, is currently under investigation.

Government services (ARS, prefecture, DDPP, Public Health France) remain fully mobilized to find the source of the contamination. Investigations are being expanded to include new establishments where samples were taken.

Reminder of recommendations to the population

As a precaution, people are asked to stop consuming food purchased from four butcher shops.

You are asked to no longer consume food purchased in these four establishments: the butcher's shop "La Direction", boulevard Henri Martin in Saint-Quentin; the butcher's shop "Family", 3 bis boulevard Gambetta in Saint-Quentin, the butcher's shop "El Baraka", 52 avenue Robert Schuman in Saint-Quentin and the butcher's shop "La Fayette", 100 rue Raspail in Saint-Quentin.

As a precaution, food products sold since June 1 are being withdrawn and recalled from consumers.

If you have purchased products since June 1st ^from these four establishments:

• Do not consume them.
• If you have kept food of animal origin purchased between June 1st ^and 14th in one of these four butcher shops, contact the departmental directorate for population protection at ddpp@aisne.gouv.fr for possible samples, specifying the products concerned, their date of purchase, their storage method (fresh or frozen) and a telephone number on which you can be contacted by the investigation services.

If you or your children have consumed food from these four establishments: monitor your health.

Call 15 immediately in case of bloody diarrhea

If you notice your child has bloody diarrhea, call 15. Person-to-person transmission is possible, especially in the home or in groups of young children. Hand hygiene measures should therefore be routine in cases of diarrhea.

If you or your children have no symptoms, there is no need to contact or consult a doctor, nor to call 15 as this could overload the emergency services.

If you would like to have information

A public information unit (CIP) will be set up at the Prefecture from Saturday, June 21, 2025. It can be reached at 09 70 80 90 40 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
...

https://www.aisne.gouv.fr/Publications/Espace-presse/Communiques-et-dossiers-de-presse-2025/Intoxications-alimentaires-severes-dans-l-agglomeration-de-Saint-Quentin-Point-de-situation

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Severe food poisoning in the Saint-Quentin area: New preventive closure and reminder of recommendations

Updated on 06/22/2025


Evolution of the number of cases

Since June 12, 17 children have been treated for severe digestive symptoms (mucous-bloody diarrhea), 8 of whom developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Three new cases were recorded last night; none developed the syndrome.

Four children were able to leave the hospital and return home. All of the children are receiving ongoing medical monitoring.

Update on ongoing investigations

State services (ARS, prefecture, DDPP, Public Health France) are continuing their investigations to find the source of the contamination. As a reminder, analyses are already currently underway for four Saint-Quentin butcher shops, whose activity has been preventively suspended: the butcher shop "La Direction", boulevard Henri Martin; the butcher shop "Family", 3 bis boulevard Gambetta; the butcher shop "El Baraka", 52 avenue Robert Schuman and the butcher shop "La Fayette", 100 rue Raspail. The activity of the butcher's department of the TMS Destock/TMS market supermarket, 4 rue du 19 mars 1962, and that of the butcher's department of the Intermarché de Gauchy, rue Auguste Delaune are also preventively suspended and sampling is underway.

The decision to suspend the activity is made based on investigations conducted into the consumption of each of the poisoned individuals. At this stage, the most likely cause of contamination is meat consumption. However, since the origin of the meat is not yet known, it is necessary to consider all the locations where one or more contaminated individuals consumed the product. The suspension is in effect until the analyses of the samples can remove any doubt or, on the contrary, confirm contamination.

Recommendations

• If you have purchased products from one of these six butcher shops since June 1, do not consume them.
• If you or your children have consumed food from these six establishments, monitor your health.

Call 15 immediately in case of mucous-bloody diarrhea

If you or your children have no symptoms, there is no need to contact or consult a doctor, or call 15.

Reminder of preventive measures

The Regional Health Agency reminds us that person-to-person transmission of bacteria is possible. Handwashing should be routine before preparing meals or after using the toilet. In addition:

• Meats must be cooked thoroughly.
• Vegetables, fruits and herbs should be washed thoroughly, especially when eaten raw.
• Raw foods should be stored separately from cooked or ready-to-eat foods.
• Kitchen utensils (especially those that have previously been in contact with raw food), as well as work surfaces, must be washed thoroughly.
• Children under 5 years old should not consume raw milk products.
• Cooked meals and leftover food should be refrigerated promptly and reheated thoroughly and consumed promptly.
• Children should not drink untreated water (well water, stream water, etc.) and avoid swallowing it when swimming (lake, pond, etc.).

If you would like to have information

A public information unit (CIP) will be set up in the Prefecture from Saturday, June 21, 2025. It can be reached at 09 70 80 90 40 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
...
https://www.aisne.gouv.fr/Publicatio...Saint-Quentin2