This Friday, June 20, the regional health agency of Hauts-de-France announced the closure of two butcheries of Saint-Quentin (Aisne). In question? One child died – and seven others were affected – after having bloody diarrhea. Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical, takes stock of this case.
Two butchers had to close their doors
It is an absolute drama that took place in Saint-Quentin. Eight cases of severe food poisoning (one mortal) were identified in young children. Five of them have developed hemolytic and uremic syndrome (Shu), an infectious disease most often of food origin.
“Sick children have consumed meat or meat products from two establishments a few days before the symptoms”, explained the department’s prefecture. However, it is “It is not possible to assert at this stage that the consumption of products from these two establishments is at the origin of the contamination “, she continues.
To make no risk of the residents of the neighborhood, the two butcher shops were closed in a “preventive” way (the butcher’s shop “the management”, boulevard Henri Martin in Saint-Quentin which concerns 5 children; the butcher’s shop “Family”, 3 bis boulevard Gambetta in Saint-Quentin which concerns 1 child), pending the results of the analyzes. They should be known “At the very start of next week “, says the prefecture. It is the laboratory of Marcy-l’étoile, located in the Rhône, which is responsible for shedding light on the truth. An investigation relating to the traceability of the meats used on these two establishments is also engaged.
In the meantime, the inhabitants are invited to no longer consume the food purchased in these two establishments. People who bought merguez, sausages and lamb meat between June 1 and 8 in these two establishments and who have not yet consumed them must refrain from consuming them and are invited to contact the Departmental Directorate for Population Protection on the box (Email Protected) or by phone 03 64 54 61 00, specifying the products concerned, their date of purchase, their conservation terms (refrigerator, freezing), and a telephone number to contact so that direct debits and analyzes can be taken.
If you or your children have consumed foodstuffs from these two establishments, it is advisable to monitor your state of health. If you find that your child has bloody diarrhea made on the 15th.
What is hemolytic and uremic syndrome (Shu)?
Long unknown to the general public, hemolytic and uremic syndrome (Shu) made the headlines following the Buitoni pizza affair. This disease is an infectious disease most often of food origin which occurs in most cases as a complication of intoxication by bacteria of the family of Eschericia coli (E. coli). An infection by the E. coli bacteria manifests itself by diarrhea often accompanied by blood, abdominal pain and sometimes vomiting which can evolve, after about a week, towards a severe form of infection.
“Hemolytic and uremic syndrome (Shu) is a serious disease, often triggered by a digestive infection due to bacteria producing toxins (like E. coli O157: H7). These bacteria are transmitted by contaminated foods: poorly cooked minced meat, non -pasteurized milk, raw vegetables or soiled water. Plates and acute renal failure requiring emergency hospitalization. Alert Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
This manifests itself by great fatigue, pallor and a patient who urinates much less (if at all), with darker urine. This is called hemolytic and uremic syndrome (Shu). The patient must be hospitalized quickly and receive suitable treatment. This disease remains infrequent with between 100 and 165 children identified each year by Public Health France.
“”The treatment is based on the rehydration of transfusions and sometimes dialysis “, Specifies Dr. Kierzek.
How to avoid it?
Prevention passes, as with all food poisoning, by the following rules:
- It is essential to wash your hands before preparing meals;
- Young children, especially those under the age of 5, should not consume non -pasturized dairy products;
- Vegetables, fruits and herbs should be carefully washed, especially if consumed raw;
- It is important to separate raw foods from cooked or ready to be consumed;
- The prepared dishes and the leftovers must be quickly refrigerated, well warmed and consumed without delay;
- Kitchen utensils and work surfaces, especially after being in contact with raw foods, must be thoroughly cleaned;
- Children must avoid drinking untreated water, like that of wells or torrents, and not swallowing during swimming in lakes or ponds;
- Finally, meats must be well cooked to heart.
“”In the event of suspicion, immediate medical consultation is crucial to avoid complications “, insists the medical director of True Medical.