Eleven sick in French raw milk cheese outbreak

Eleven people have been sickened in a severe Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) outbreak in France linked to raw milk cheese. 

Nine hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) cases in adults have been confirmed by the National Reference Center for E. coli. HUS is a severe complication associated with E. coli infections that causes kidney failure.

Investigations by Santé publique France, the National Reference Centre for E. coli, the General Directorate of Food (DGAL) and General Directorate of Health (DGS) tracked illnesses to the consumption of Morbier cheeses made from raw milk produced by the company Perrin-Vermot.

The agencies have not yet revealed the strain of E. coli responsible or any information about the patients.

The link was made based on epidemiological information and traceability efforts. Microbiological testing is ongoing on the cheese products.

Products were sold throughout the country between Nov. 12, 2024, and Jan. 24, 2025, by the Perrin-Vermot cheese factory directly, in supermarkets or through intermediaries. A recall and withdrawal of cheeses is underway in France and Luxembourg. Organic and long-ripened Morbiers are not affected by the recall.

Health authorities said raw milk and cheeses made from raw milk should not be consumed by children, particularly those younger than 5, pregnant women, and immunocompromised people.

Data from Santé publique France shows 143 HUS cases in 2023 compared to 252 in 2022. 

About E. coli
Anyone who has eaten any of the implicated products and developed symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about their possible food poisoning. Specific tests are required to diagnose the infections, which can mimic other illnesses.

The symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. Others can develop severe or life-threatening symptoms and complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

About 5 to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening kidney failure complication, known as a hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, decreased frequency of urination, small unexplained bruises or bleeding, and pallor. 

Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injuries or death. This condition can occur among people of any age but is most common in children younger than five years old because of their immature immune systems, older adults because of deteriorating immune systems, and people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients. 

People who experience HUS symptoms should immediately seek emergency medical care. People with HUS will likely be hospitalized because the condition can cause other serious and ongoing problems such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurologic problems.

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