No confirmed E. coli infections yet in Wallonia

Health authorities in the Belgian region of Wallonia are investigating a suspected outbreak of the STEC (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli) bacterium at a care home in Ottignies, in the province of Walloon Brabant. On Friday, the Federal Food Safety Agency (FASFC) and the Walloon Agency for Quality of Life (AViQ) confirmed that inspection teams had been dispatched and laboratory tests were underway.

The care home raised the alarm on Thursday evening after several residents fell ill. Eight suspected cases have been identified, but it is unclear whether these are linked to the strain responsible for the recent outbreak in Flanders, in which 21 people were infected and five died. All of those who died had pre-existing health conditions, which makes it difficult to assess the bacterium’s role. Laboratory analysis has confirmed a single genetic type, suggesting a food-related source is likely.

No need to panic

According to AViQ, there is no immediate cause for alarm, although heightened vigilance is warranted. Care facilities are being reminded of their legal duty to report suspected infections without delay. This follows concern that potential cases were not communicated quickly enough in Ottignies.

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STEC is relatively rare in Belgium, with only 80 to 130 cases reported each year. While infections may pass unnoticed, they can also cause diarrhoea, headaches and fever, and in severe cases, kidney damage. Although human-to-human transmission is possible, it is less common. Contaminated food is usually the source. The elderly are particularly vulnerable, so outbreaks in care homes are especially concerning.

So far, six nursing homes in Flanders have been affected, including one staff member. These homes are located in Flemish Brabant, Antwerp and the Aalst region. There have been no new cases of STEC infection in Flanders in recent days. No cases have been reported in Brussels, while further testing in Wallonia will establish whether the outbreak has spread there.

^{© BELGA PHOTO MAXIME ANCIAUX}

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