Overview
- Seven children aged one to 12 were admitted to Saint-Quentin hospital between June 13 and 18 with severe diarrhea.
- Four of the hospitalized children developed hemolytic-uremic syndrome, a rare complication leading to acute kidney failure, resulting in the death of a 12-year-old.
- Prefectural authorities have closed two local butcher shops as a precaution while investigations focus on a possible foodborne source.
- Parents have been urged to seek immediate medical attention if children exhibit severe diarrhea and to avoid raw-milk products and untrusted water sources.
- Annual pediatric cases of HUS in France typically number between 100 and 165, highlighting the unusual concentration of cases in this region.