E. Coli Outbreak in Saint-Quentin, Aisne Kills 11-Year-Old Girl, Infects 30 Including 24 Children; Judicial Inquiry Opened, Multiple Butcheries Closed

Since mid-June 2025, the Aisne department in northern France has experienced a series of severe food poisoning cases linked to the Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacterium. The outbreak has affected at least 30 individuals, primarily children, with 24 children and one elderly person confirmed as victims. Tragically, an 11-year-old girl named Élise died from the infection.

The cases have been concentrated around Saint-Quentin, where authorities have identified contaminated meat products as the source of the outbreak. Investigations revealed E. coli contamination in meat or surfaces of at least five to six butcher shops, including several halal establishments, leading to the temporary closure of these businesses and a supermarket meat section as a precaution. The contamination is believed to have originated from meat sold in these butcheries, although it remains unclear whether the contamination occurred at the slaughterhouse or during subsequent handling. Health officials have noted that antibiotic treatments have limited effectiveness against the infection, and several children have developed severe symptoms, including hemolytic uremic syndrome, with about ten patients still hospitalized and some requiring dialysis. The public prosecutor's office in Paris has taken over the investigation, opening a judicial inquiry for involuntary homicide, bodily harm, endangering life, and deception regarding dangerous merchandise. Authorities continue to conduct analyses and trace the contamination chain, with genome sequencing results pending. The outbreak has caused widespread concern and behavioral changes among local residents, with many avoiding meat consumption. Health officials and local authorities have urged vigilance and provided guidance to the public, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the need for prompt medical attention in suspected cases.