A shigatoxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infection has sickened about 20 residents across six care homes in the regions of Flemish Brabant, Antwerp, and Aalst, according to Flemish health authorities.
The outbreak is being investigated by the Department of Care, the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FAVV), the national reference centre in Brussels, and Sciensano, Belgium’s public health institute.
Four confirmed cases were identified on Tuesday in two care homes in Leuven. Since then, the number has risen to 21 confirmed or suspected cases, all linked to care homes in Flemish Brabant, Antwerp, and the Aalst region.
Most of the affected individuals fell ill between 18 and 25 August. Laboratory tests indicate that all cases are connected to the same bacterial strain, suggesting a common source of contamination, likely food-related.
“Over the past few days, we received multiple reports of care home residents showing symptoms linked to a STEC infection,” said Joris Moonens, spokesperson for the Department of Care.
He added, “Currently, there are confirmed or strongly suspected cases in three care homes in the Leuven area, one in the Aalst region, and two near Antwerp. A total of around 20 residents and one staff member have been affected. All cases originate from the same bacterial type.”
STEC is a bacterial infection caused by shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli. Symptoms range from mild diarrhoea to severe, bloody diarrhoea. Fever and headaches may also occur.
In rare cases, the infection can lead to haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that damages the kidneys. Food is often the primary source of contamination, though person-to-person transmission cannot be ruled out.
To prevent further spread, affected residents in the six care homes are being isolated, and additional measures are in place to reinforce hand hygiene and overall cleanliness.
The investigation to trace the source of the outbreak continues.
