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Bouches-du-Rhône: A gastroenteritis outbreak hits the town of Rousset; water contamination is suspected.
Contamination• According to investigations by the Regional Health Agency (ARS) and Public Health
France Paca-Corse, 750 people have been victims of the disease
Published on 22/04/2026 at 09:59• Updated on 22/04/2026 at 09:59
What is happening in Rousset, located east of Aix-en-Provence in the Bouches-du-Rhône department ? Since April 13, a sudden outbreak of gastroenteritis has been affecting some of the town's approximately 5,000 inhabitants. The cases, which are unrelated, suggest contamination through the drinking water supply .
Mobilized to launch "epidemiological investigations," the Regional Health Agency (ARS) and Public Health France Paca-Corse distributed an online questionnaire to try to assess the extent of the phenomenon. Of more than 1,000 responses, 750 people reported symptoms, with 90% of them experiencing episodes of diarrhea and/or vomiting , according to results obtained by 20 Minutes .
Among those infected, 85% had visited the town a few days prior or were residents of Rousset. Furthermore, 25 short-term hospitalizations were reported, but no serious cases were identified. With a peak on April 14th, the outbreak now appears to be nearing its end. Nevertheless, the ARS (Regional Health Agency) questionnaire remains open until Sunday.
A suspected water source
While the origin of the illness has not yet been determined, the hypothesis of contamination via the drinking water distribution network is currently favored. The mayor of Rousset, Philippe Pignon, has activated a Municipal Emergency Plan, reports France 3 Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur . From the very first days, a distribution of bottled water was implemented in daycare centers and nursing homes , and subsequently made available to all residents.
“The latest water analyses are compliant, and close monitoring of water quality has been implemented,” the Regional Health Agency (ARS) stated in its press release. It added, “Environmental investigations are ongoing.” While awaiting the final results, precautionary measures and water usage restrictions remain in effect. It is particularly recommended to consume bottled water or boil tap water for at least two minutes before using it for food and drink.
Bouches-du-Rhône: A gastroenteritis outbreak hits the town of Rousset; water contamination is suspected.
Contamination• According to investigations by the Regional Health Agency (ARS) and Public Health
France Paca-Corse, 750 people have been victims of the disease
Published on 22/04/2026 at 09:59• Updated on 22/04/2026 at 09:59
What is happening in Rousset, located east of Aix-en-Provence in the Bouches-du-Rhône department ? Since April 13, a sudden outbreak of gastroenteritis has been affecting some of the town's approximately 5,000 inhabitants. The cases, which are unrelated, suggest contamination through the drinking water supply .
Mobilized to launch "epidemiological investigations," the Regional Health Agency (ARS) and Public Health France Paca-Corse distributed an online questionnaire to try to assess the extent of the phenomenon. Of more than 1,000 responses, 750 people reported symptoms, with 90% of them experiencing episodes of diarrhea and/or vomiting , according to results obtained by 20 Minutes .
Among those infected, 85% had visited the town a few days prior or were residents of Rousset. Furthermore, 25 short-term hospitalizations were reported, but no serious cases were identified. With a peak on April 14th, the outbreak now appears to be nearing its end. Nevertheless, the ARS (Regional Health Agency) questionnaire remains open until Sunday.
A suspected water source
While the origin of the illness has not yet been determined, the hypothesis of contamination via the drinking water distribution network is currently favored. The mayor of Rousset, Philippe Pignon, has activated a Municipal Emergency Plan, reports France 3 Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur . From the very first days, a distribution of bottled water was implemented in daycare centers and nursing homes , and subsequently made available to all residents.
“The latest water analyses are compliant, and close monitoring of water quality has been implemented,” the Regional Health Agency (ARS) stated in its press release. It added, “Environmental investigations are ongoing.” While awaiting the final results, precautionary measures and water usage restrictions remain in effect. It is particularly recommended to consume bottled water or boil tap water for at least two minutes before using it for food and drink.
