Belgium - STEC contamination in several nursing homes: more than 70 illnesses and nine deaths - raw minced beef most likely source

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Alert in Flanders: STEC epidemic in nursing homes, two people have died

Published on 08/27 at 7:15 p.m.
By RTl info with Belga

At least two people infected with the STEC (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli) bacteria have died, confirmed Joris Moonens, spokesperson for the Flemish Department of Care. However, it is difficult to determine whether their deaths were caused by the infection or whether it simply accelerated their deaths.

Mr. Moonens says there are others who are in critical condition or may have already died. The exact death toll could rise further.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, around twenty infections were recorded in six nursing homes in Flemish Brabant, Antwerp, and the Aalst region. One staff member was also infected.

STEC is a bacterial infection caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli. STEC infection may be asymptomatic but can also cause mild or even bloody diarrhea. Fever and headache may also occur. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which damages the kidneys, can develop as a complication. Food is a major source of infection.

https://www.rtl.be/actu/belgique/so...deux-personnes-sont/2025-08-27/article/761375

 

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Belgium: Investigation into four deaths possibly linked to E.coli poisoning

By Le Figaro with AFP
1 hour ago

Belgian authorities are investigating the origin of an E. coli contamination that may have caused the deaths of four elderly nursing home residents, the Flemish Agency for Care and Health told AFP on Thursday. A total of around 20 people have been infected, likely through food, in six nursing homes in Flanders (the Dutch-speaking north) since August 18.

Four of these patients have died, according to a spokesperson for the Flemish agency, and investigations are underway to determine the cause of their deaths. "These people were suffering from other health problems, it is not yet possible to say whether this bacteria was the direct cause of death or whether it accelerated the death of residents who were already very weakened," the spokesperson said.

Symptoms comparable to those of gastroenteritis

According to health authorities, the investigation into the origin of the epidemic should focus on the food suppliers of the six establishments, spread throughout Flanders, in the areas around Leuven (centre), Aalst and Antwerp (north). "Laboratory analyses show that the infections are due to the same genetic type of bacteria, which indicates a common source for these infections ," the Flemish Health Agency (Departement Zorg) and the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (Afsca) stressed in a press release.

Poisoning by the E. coli bacteria - or Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) - can be asymptomatic or cause diarrhea or other symptoms similar to those of gastroenteritis (nausea, vomiting, or even headaches). It can be linked to the consumption of raw foods (raw meat or vegetables, raw milk cheeses), according to a spokesperson for the AFSCA. Person-to-person contamination is possible but unlikely. In retirement homes considered at risk, people showing symptoms have been isolated from other residents.

https://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-eco/b...ne-intoxication-a-la-bacterie-e-coli-20250828

 

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​STEC contamination in several nursing homes in Flanders

Joint press release from the FASFC and the Flemish Department of Zorg

Additional information
Publication date
August 27, 2025
Last updated
27 Aug 2025
Document type
Press release
Themes
Food

STEC contamination in several nursing homes in Flanders

Around twenty residents of six nursing homes in Flemish Brabant, Antwerp, and the Aalst region fell ill after being infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Laboratory tests show that the infections are caused by the same genetic type of bacteria, indicating a common source. Such infections usually occur through food. The Flemish Department of Health, the FASFC (Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain), the National Reference Center in Brussels, and Sciensano are currently investigating this outbreak. Food consumption in these nursing homes is being mapped and examined.

Joris Moonens - spokesperson for the Flemish department Zorg: " In the last few days and hours, we have received several reports of nursing home residents with symptoms indicating a STEC infection. Currently, we have 4 nursing homes in the Leuven region, 1 nursing home in the Aalst region, and two nursing homes in the Antwerp region where residents have been confirmed or have most likely become ill with this type of E. coli bacteria. In total, this currently affects just over 20 residents and 1 staff member. Most of them became ill between 18 and 21 August. Tests carried out on these residents show that they were infected with the same type of bacteria ."

Aline Van den Broeck - spokesperson for the FASFC: " The type of infection and its spread indicate contamination through food. We are currently examining all food consumption in the various nursing homes where contamination has been detected. It is still too early at this stage of the investigation to identify a likely source of contamination. "

The Flemish Department of Health and Social Affairs (Zorg) and the FASFC are jointly investigating the source of the infections. Samples are being taken from people with symptoms to check whether they have been infected with the same type of bacteria and to determine what and when they ate. The FASFC is mapping the food chain and conducting sample analyses to identify the source. The Flemish Department of Health and Social Affairs (Zorg) is informing general practitioners and hospitals in the regions to report any potential cases. It is therefore possible that other cases of people who have fallen ill in recent days in nursing homes or other locations will be reported in the coming days.


About STEC infections

STEC (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli) is a serious bacterial infection caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli. STEC infection may be asymptomatic. It may also cause mild or bloody diarrhea. Fever and headache may also occur. Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) may occur as a complication. Food is a significant source of contamination. Person-to-person transmission is possible but less likely. In nursing homes where cases have been detected, people with symptoms are isolated from other residents and special attention is paid to hand hygiene and general hygiene.

For people living in nursing homes, who are often already in poor health, a STEC infection can be very serious.

https://favv-afsca.be/fr/publicatio...ec-dans-plusieurs-maisons-de-repos-en-flandre
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Stec bacteria infection confirmed in Brussels, suspected cases in Wallonia

UPDATE A resident of a nursing home in the Brussels-Capital Region has been infected with the Stec bacteria (Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli), Iriscare and Vivalis reported on Friday, confirming information reported by several media outlets. Investigations are underway to determine whether this contamination is linked to the cases detected in Flanders.

MDV 29-08-25, 14:02 Source: BELGA

In Flanders, infections with this bacteria have been detected in several nursing homes. To date, 21 people have been infected, five of whom have died.

In Brussels, "a case was detected in a nursing home around August 19," said a spokesperson for Vivalis, the Brussels social and health administration. The infection was confirmed in a laboratory. Tests are underway to determine whether the contamination is linked to the cases detected in Flanders.

Only one person has been infected and "is out of danger, they are in good health," the spokesperson said.

Suspected cases in a home in Ottignies

In Wallonia, suspected cases have been reported in a nursing home in Ottignies, but infection with the Stec bacteria has not yet been confirmed.

The nursing home in question notified the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) late Thursday, a spokesperson said. “For the time being, this is a suspected infection. Our services are going to the site this (Friday) morning and we will have to wait for the test results to be sure that we are dealing with the same strain of the bacteria” as the one that caused contamination in Flanders.

The Walloon Agency for a Quality Life (Aviq) is trying to be reassuring. “Don't panic,” assures a spokesperson, even though “we obviously remain very vigilant.” Thus, “nothing confirms at this time that it was indeed this bacteria” that made some residents of the nursing home sick. There are currently eight cases. “At this stage, there is nothing to suggest that the problem stems from the food, which may have been contaminated,” she insists. “Unfortunately, gastroenteritis occurs every day in nursing homes.”

Aviq is also sending an inspection team to the site, which will take samples. The agency has not been informed by the home. “In view of the situation in Flanders, we will remind all nursing homes in Wallonia of the rules in force: when there is a suspected case, it is mandatory to report it to Aviq to allow us to contain” a possible epidemic.

As for the nursing home in Ottignies, “everything is contained”.

https://www.7sur7.be/belgique/une-i...xelles-des-cas-suspects-en-wallonie~a4b63da0/

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Fifth nursing home resident dies from STEC bacteria: "One other person critical"

A resident infected with the STEC bacteria has also died at the Edouard Rémy nursing home in Leuven. Another resident is in critical condition. Leuven Alderman Bieke Verlinden (Vooruit) confirmed this to our editorial team. This brings the number of deaths linked to the bacteria to five.

August 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM

The rare but dangerous STEC bacteria, a variant of E. coli, has spread to at least six Flemish nursing homes in recent weeks. Three of these are part of 'Zorg Leuven': Edouard Rémy (five infected residents), Booghuys (one infected), and Ter Putkapelle (one infected). One of the infected residents at the first nursing home has since died in hospital, according to Alderman Bieke Verlinden, who is also the chair of Zorg Leuven. "Another resident is in critical condition."

At least four deaths suspected of being linked to the bacteria had already been reported in the other three residential care centers involved, located in the Antwerp and Aalst regions. The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) and the Department of Care are currently doing everything possible to determine the source of the infections – most likely a contaminated food product. The total number of infections remains around twenty.

https://www.nieuwsblad.be/binnenlan...-nog-een-andere-persoon-kritiek/86529967.html

 

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STEC contamination in several nursing homes in Belgium: update

Additional information

Publication date
01 Sep 2025

Last updated
01 Sep 2025

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Document type
Press release

In recent weeks, several nursing homes in Belgium have reported and investigated cases of contamination with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). In Flanders, it has already been confirmed that the contaminations in several nursing homes were caused by the same strain of the bacterium. In Brussels and Wallonia, the investigation is still ongoing. The reports currently under investigation or already confirmed concern symptoms that appeared in the weeks of August 18 and 25. At present, there is no indication of any new foodborne contaminations. However, it is possible that a limited number of human-to-human contaminations have occurred. In addition, in close collaboration with the regional authorities, the FASFC is thoroughly investigating the source of these infections.

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Current situation in Flanders:
7 nursing homes with confirmed cases

In Flanders, laboratory tests have already confirmed that infections in six nursing homes were caused by the same serotype of this bacteria, type "O157".
In two other nursing homes in Flanders, residents were reported to be exhibiting symptoms similar to those of a STEC infection. Last weekend, laboratory tests confirmed that the infections in these two nursing homes were also caused by the O157 strain. The two nursing homes are located in Antwerp and East Flanders.

The first infections in these eight nursing homes began on August 17, and the peak of infections was between August 20 and 22. This indicates that these residents were infected through the same food source during the week leading up to August 18.
In some of these residential care facilities, a limited number of additional infections were also reported around August 27. These may have been caused by human-to-human transmission. Meanwhile, 48 residents have reported symptoms, some mild.
Joris Moonens, spokesperson for the Department of Care: " In Flanders, we now have eight nursing homes where residents were most likely infected by the same source. In the Antwerp nursing home where we received confirmation this weekend, 18 residents fell ill around August 21. Unfortunately, three of them died. This brings the total number of deaths in Flanders to seven. In the East Flanders nursing home, two residents are ill. I would like to emphasize that we still have no indication of new food contaminations. A number of possible cases with more recent symptoms appear to be attributable to human-to-human contamination. Everything therefore still indicates that a contaminated food product circulated in all these residential care centers a few weeks ago, but that there is no longer a risk of contamination through food. We, of course, remain very vigilant regarding new reports. "

Situation in Wallonia:
2 nursing homes affected by STEC contamination

In Wallonia, two nursing homes, in the provinces of Namur and Luxembourg, have been affected by confirmed STEC infections. However, tests are underway to determine whether the infection is serotype O157. In a third nursing home, some residents are showing symptoms, but there is no confirmation yet that it is a STEC infection.

Lara Kotlar, spokesperson for AVIQ: " Our teams of regional hygiene inspectors visited one of the nursing homes to verify that all necessary measures had been taken. We are talking about the hygiene and isolation measures that were properly implemented. They conducted a dietary survey among the residents, in close collaboration with Sciensano, with the aim of identifying the source of contamination. In addition, our regional hygiene inspector is in contact with the laboratories, nursing homes, and the FASFC to take all necessary measures. Obviously, the AVIQ teams are exercising increased vigilance with regard to this situation, as they do for all notifiable infections. "

Situation in Brussels:
1 nursing home with STEC contamination

In the Brussels region, laboratory tests have confirmed a STEC diagnosis in a resident of a nursing home in Jette. Tests are continuing to determine whether the case is the "O157" strain.

This person became ill around August 19, indicating that they were likely infected through the same food source as the other infected individuals. The infected person is now healthy.

Laurent Hubin, spokesperson for Vivalis: "We only have one contaminated nursing home in the Brussels region. Currently, there are no other identified cases of contamination. The source of the contamination is food-borne and is probably the same as in Flanders. The risk of further contamination is now reduced, but we are of course remaining vigilant and monitoring the situation closely."

The search for the food source continues intensively

The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) is currently conducting a thorough investigation to identify the source of the contamination. The fact that the contamination dates back several weeks has significantly extended the investigation. FASFC inspectors are visiting each nursing home where suspected cases have been reported to collect any food leftovers for analysis. Food leftovers have already been collected, but they do not correspond to the critical period being investigated. These leftovers have been sent to the national reference laboratory, which is currently conducting analyses. In addition, the FASFC is mapping the food chain to identify suppliers and food products shared by the establishments concerned. At this stage of the investigation, it is still too early to provide any concrete leads. The FASFC emphasizes the importance of scrupulously respecting basic hygiene rules, particularly handwashing, and calls for increased vigilance when preparing and serving high-risk products, particularly to vulnerable people.

"Despite the complexity of the investigation, the FASFC is mobilizing all its resources to identify the cause. In the case of this bacteria, symptoms can appear up to nine days after contamination. This delay, added to the time needed to make a medical diagnosis, delays the launch of investigations. It is only once the food route is considered that the FASFC can intervene. We must act with extreme caution. The E. coli epidemic that hit Europe in 2011 taught us not to jump to conclusions. At the time, tomatoes and cucumbers were wrongly incriminated. It was only several months later that the real origin—sprouted seeds—was identified."
Aline Van den Broeck, spokesperson for the FASFC

Press contact:
Aline Van den Broeck - Spokesperson
TEL: +32 497/59.24.69
E-mail: aline.VandenBroeck@afsca.be



https://favv-afsca.be/fr/contaminat...sieurs-maisons-de-repos-en-belgique-mise-jour
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Stec Bacterial Infections: Aviq Confirms a Case Reported in a Daycare Center in the Namur Region, Parents Have Been Notified

Published on 02/09 at 5:16 p.m.
By RTL info

While eight people, including one in Wallonia (in Ottignies) and seven in Flanders, have died since mid-August from contamination with the Stec bacteria, we have learned that a case has occurred in a daycare center in the commune of Rochefort (province of Namur). AVIQ, the Walloon Agency for a Quality Life, has been informed, as have the children's parents.

Following the outbreak in nursing homes in Flanders and Wallonia, where some 63 people were infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and eight deaths were recorded, a daycare in the commune of Rochefort, in the province of Namur, has announced that it is dealing with a case of infection with the STEC bacteria.

This is obviously causing concern among parents, who were informed of the situation by letter dated Monday and signed by the director of the childcare center.

So far, only one child has developed this infection, the director explains in her letter. If another case occurs, all children will undergo a stool analysis.

Analysis still in progress

It should be remembered that these infections are subject to mandatory reporting to the health authorities, in order to track their spread. The daycare center in question therefore informed Aviq (the Walloon Agency for Quality Life), and monitoring was put in place. Aviq confirmed that this was a case of contamination with the Stec bacteria. Analyses are still underway at the CNR, the Reference Center, to determine whether this is the O157 strain responsible for the previous contaminations in August.

So far, only one child has developed this infection, the director explains in her information letter. She specifies that if another case were to occur, all children in the daycare center would undergo a stool analysis. "This disease is contagious and presents risks for certain people," emphasizes the director of the daycare, who therefore invites parents to reinforce hygiene measures by being very careful with hand washing when washing and changing their child; the bacteria spreads enterally.

Parents are also asked to monitor their child's health for 30 days and to report any deterioration in their child's general condition or diarrhea.

https://www.rtl.be/actu/regions/nam...-dans-une-creche-en/2025-09-02/article/762044

 

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​STEC infections in Walloon nursing homes and daycare centers under control

04.09.2025
07:48
Wallonia

Following the infections with Stec bacteria in various nursing homes and daycare centers in the provinces of Namur and Brabant, the situation is under control.

This was announced by Walloon Health Minister Yves Coppieters (Les Engagés). According to him, the sources have been identified.

According to the report, the infections in the nursing homes were caused by contaminated Filet Americain, while frozen hamburgers caused the infections in the daycare centers.​

https://brf.be/national/2002709/
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Filet Americain​

AI overview

In Belgium, Filet Américain is a popular dish of finely minced or ground raw beef seasoned with mayonnaise, capers, onion, and other spices, served as a sandwich spread, or with fries and a salad. While it shares similarities with steak tartare, the Belgian version is often a more refined mixture, served with classic accompaniments like crusty bread, raw onions, or pickled gherkins.​

 

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Wallonia: Second death linked to Stec bacteria in nursing homes

So far, eight people, including one in Wallonia and seven in Flanders, have died since mid-August from contamination with the Stec bacteria (Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli).

By Belga
Published on 09/09/2025 at 9:35 p.m.

Second elderly person has died in Wallonia following suspected contamination with the Stec bacteria, Walloon Health Minister Yves Coppieters announced Tuesday evening in a regional parliament committee.

"One of the people hospitalized – who was living in a nursing home in Ottignies, editor's note – has unfortunately died. And while the case has not been confirmed, it is indeed a suspected case of STEC contamination," the minister said.

Otherwise, there is no increase in the number of cases, neither in retirement homes nor in the affected nurseries, he assured.

So far, eight people, including one in Wallonia and seven in Flanders, have died since mid-August from contamination with the Stec bacteria (Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli).


https://www.lesoir.be/698056/articl...eme-deces-lie-la-bacterie-stec-dans-des-homes

 

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STEC contamination in Belgian nursing homes: raw minced beef is the most likely source of the outbreak

Joint press release from the AFSCA, the AVIQ, the Zorg Department and Vivalis Additional information

Publication date
26 Sep 2025

Last updated
26 Sep 2025

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Document type
Press release

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In August, contamination by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) bacteria was detected in 11 nursing homes in Belgium. The health authorities of the Department Zorg, Vivalis and Aviq, in collaboration with the FASFC, Sciensano and the National Reference Centre, launched a thorough investigation into the source of this outbreak. As part of this investigation, food consumption in the affected facilities was mapped and various food samples were analyzed. Epidemiological data and the traceability investigation indicate that raw minced beef is the most likely source of contamination. However, as no more samples of the affected batch of meat were available, this cannot be confirmed with absolute certainty .

The STEC outbreak had a significant impact on public health in Belgian nursing homes. In total, infections with the same serotype of the bacterium ( E. coli O157) were detected in 11 facilities. The outbreak resulted in more than 70 illnesses and nine deaths. Close multidisciplinary collaboration enabled thorough investigations. A study of the food consumption of affected residents indicated that raw minced beef was the most likely cause of the infections.
The traceability investigation also revealed that all affected nursing homes had served beef from the same batch. More than 70 food samples from leftover control meals and products from the supply chain were analyzed. However, as no more samples from the affected meat batch were available, the source of contamination could not be definitively confirmed by laboratory analysis.

“ Raw food can be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. We therefore recommend that vulnerable consumers, such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, avoid these products or cook them thoroughly. They run an increased risk of serious complications in the event of a foodborne illness ,” says Aline Van den Broeck, spokesperson for the FASFC.

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Press contact:
Aline Van den Broeck - Spokesperson
TEL: +32 497/59.24.69
E-mail: aline.VandenBroeck@afsca.be


https://favv-afsca.be/fr/publications/communiques-presse/stec-dans-des-maisons-de-repos

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