E. coli outbreak in Romania kills three

10-Mar-2016 - Last updated on 10-Mar-2016 at 12:42 GMT

Picture: Istock/miluxian

At least 15 children aged five to 38 months have been sickened by E. coli O26 in Romania and three have died.

The Ministry of Health reported children were hospitalised in Bucharest and Pitesti between 29 January and 24 February and some with suspected haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS).

The dates of onset were between 25 January and 14 February, said the European Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC).

ANSVSA said the investigation was continuing in its latest update.

Following environmental investigations, E. coli was identified in a soft cheese sample produced by ‘Lactate Bradet’ that sells traditional dairy items in the Arges district.

However, testing by the Cantacuzino Institute (in Romanian) showed that the cheese was not the source of illnesses or chicken made in Bacau which was also suggested to be an infection vehicle.

Lactate Bradet posted on its Facebook page about the findings when the results were announced.

Two ECDC experts and one EPIET fellow are supporting the outbreak investigation at the request from the Romanian Ministry of Health.