In a follow-up on the Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) O26 outbreak linked to the consumption of raw milk reblochons produced at the Cruseilles (Haute-Savoie) site of Chabert, French health officials are now reporting 14 children aged one to five years included in the investigation.
As of May 31, 6 children with HUS were infected with the same strain of E. coli 026, for which the consumption of reblochon incriminated is documented. These six children are domiciled in several regions of metropolitan France (Center-Val de Loire, PACA, Ile-de-France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Pays-de-la-Loire); and
For 8 other children, investigations are in progress. Of these, two had signs of gastroenteritis and six had HUS. One of the children with HUS died; the investigation around this case is in progress. To date, it can not be dismissed or affirmed that these cases of HUS are linked to the consumption of reblochon: non-isolated and characterized strain, or consumption of reblochon incriminated not yet documented.
E. coli outbreak: Death toll rises to 5
HUS is an uncommon disease in France: between 100 and 160 cases are reported as part of the surveillance system each year. It is a serious disease because it is the leading cause of acute renal failure in children aged 1 month to 3 years.
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