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Since the beginning of February, two children have died in the context of serious contamination linked to the bacterium Escherichia Coli, reports Public Health France. What is hemolytic uremic syndrome? How to prevent and detect it? Explanations.
No less than 26 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or rare but serious infections linked to E. coli bacteria and presenting similar characteristics have been identified by the health authorities. The latter announce that two children have died and 22 other cases are under investigation.
26 cases in 9 regions of France
According to the French health authorities, as of March 11, 2022, 26 cases of haemolytic-uretic syndrome or serious infections linked to the E.Coli bacterium have been identified.
These cases were found in nine regions of France: New Aquitaine with 6 cases, Hauts-de-France with 5 cases, Ile-de-France with 4 cases, Pays de la Loire with 4 cases, Brittany with 3 cases, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté with 1 case, Grand Est with 1 case, Provence-Alpes-Côte-D’azur with 1 case and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes with 1 case.
Aged 1 to 15, the affected children had symptoms between January 18 and February 23. In addition, 22 other suspected cases are being investigated according to Public Health France.
Prevention rules to remember
The health agency is wondering about a possible common cause for all these infections, in order to put in place the appropriate measures. In the meantime, she recalls simple hygiene gestures to be carried out on a daily basis in order to preserve the health of all and of the youngest, the oldest and the most fragile in particular:
- Always wash your hands before preparing a meal;
- Cook meats thoroughly, especially minced meats and do not leave them pink;
- Do not give children under 5 years of age raw milk, cheese made from raw milk, or dairy products made from raw milk. Instead, choose cheeses such as Emmental, Comté, Beaufort, Gruyère… with a cooked pressed paste, processed cheese spreads or pasteurized milk;
- Be careful when cooking flour-based pasta such as cakes or pizzas, which should not be eaten raw or undercooked;
- Wash well before and after peeling vegetables, fruits, aromatic herbs…
- For storage, separate raw foods from cooked or ready-to-eat foods;
- Take care to quickly put leftover food and cooked meals in the refrigerator; they must be consumed quickly;
- Kitchen utensils, cutting boards and work surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned;
- During an outing, do not let children drink untreated water (as in wells or torrents, etc.) and avoid letting them swallow it also when swimming;
- Finally, avoid very young children (under 5 years old) contact with animals such as cows, calves, sheep, goats, deer… And in the event of contact with them, remember to wash their hands thoroughly. hands.