Over 130 cases of severe gastric illness caused by *Yersinia enterocolitica* have been reported across four European countries, with raw milk goat cheese suspected as the source.
Severe Gastric Illness Outbreak in Europe Linked to Raw Milk Goat Cheese
A significant outbreak of a severe gastric illness has swept through four European countries, with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reporting over 130 cases. The infection, identified as being caused by the bacterium Yersinia enterocolitica, has affected residents in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Norway.
Scope of the Outbreak
Since the outbreak was identified, 133 cases have been confirmed. The affected individuals, whose ages range from three to 85 years, include a significant number of women, accounting for 57% of the cases. The Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region in southeast France has reported the highest concentration, with 57 cases. However, cases have dispersed across all regions of mainland France, indicating a widespread issue.
Identified Source and Response
Authorities suspect that raw milk goat cheese is the source of the outbreak. The implicated cheese, which originates from southeast France, has been linked to the surge in yersinosis infections. Yersinia bacteria, the causative agent, is typically transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food or drink, including undercooked meat, unpasteurised dairy products, and contaminated water. The bacterium can also spread through direct contact with infected animals or person-to-person transmission.
Health officials in the affected countries have raised urgent alerts and are implementing measures to control the spread. The distribution of the tainted cheese across various European Union and European Economic Area countries elevates the risk of infection among consumers who have purchased or been exposed to the product before control measures took effect.
Symptoms and Risks
Yersiniosis, the illness caused by Yersinia enterocolitica, usually manifests with diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. The diarrhoea can persist for up to three weeks. This illness is challenging to distinguish from other diarrhoeal diseases, with children more likely to experience bloody diarrhoea than adults. Vulnerable groups, such as infants, immunocompromised individuals, and those with iron overload conditions, face severe complications including sepsis. Such cases carry a fatality rate of up to 50%.
Ongoing Monitoring
The ECDC emphasised that the reported cases represent a small fraction of the total number and pledged to continue vigilant monitoring through epidemic intelligence activities. The agency is working closely with local health authorities in the affected regions to mitigate the spread and monitor the situation.
In summary, this outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety and the potential risks associated with unpasteurised dairy products. Ongoing investigations and control measures aim to contain the spread of this illness and prevent further cases.