A resident of a nursing home in the Brussels-Capital Region has been infected with the shiga-toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) bacteria, authorities announced on Friday.
The information was confirmed by Brussels health agency Vivalis and Iriscare, following reports in multiple media outlets. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the case is linked to recent infections reported in Flanders.
In Flanders, STEC infections have been identified in several nursing homes. So far, 21 individuals have been infected, and tragically, five of them have died.
The case in Brussels was identified around 19 August, according to a spokesperson for Vivalis. The infection has been confirmed through laboratory testing, and further analysis will establish whether there is a connection to the Flemish outbreak.
Only one individual in Brussels has tested positive for the bacteria. “The patient is out of danger and in good health,” confirmed the spokesperson.
In Wallonia, potential cases have been reported in a nursing home in Ottignies. However, STEC infections have not yet been confirmed in these instances.
