Particularly serious infection: children in critical condition in Antwerp region, AFSCA and Sciensano offer hypothesis

Five young children have been hospitalized in Belgium's Antwerp province due to severe complications from STEC bacteria, a variant of E. coli. The infection has led to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a rare but serious condition that attacks the kidneys, potentially causing them to cease functioning. Health officials described the situation as "particularly serious."

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attacks mainly the intestines and causes diarrhea, sometimes bloody

Authorities are investigating a petting zoo, Mikerf in Brasschaat, as a possible source of the contamination. Several of the affected children had recently visited the farm. While the zoo had no prior known issues, precautionary measures have been implemented, including the suspension of educational activities involving animals. "One can contract the STEC bacteria after contact with farm animals," stated Anneleen De Sadeleer, spokesperson for the Flemish Health Department.

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It attacks the kidneys, which then begin to stop functioning

Officials from the Belgian Food Safety Agency (AFSCA) and Sciensano are collaborating with the health department to pinpoint the origin of the outbreak. The possibility of food contamination is also being explored. "It is a vast and complex investigation," De Sadeleer confirmed. The health department noted that HUS requires intensive care, and while a fatal outcome cannot be ruled out, they hope for the best for the children.

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in this type of case, a fatal outcome cannot be excluded, but let's hope these children don't get there