France reports Yersinia enterocolitica outbreak linked to raw goat cheese
Officials in France report as of July 11, 133 cases of Yersinia enterocolitica biotype 2, serotype O:9 linked to raw milk goat cheese from France (Star of Provence brand) have been identified with isolation dates between 27 January and 28 June 2024.
Provence-Alpes-Côted’ Azur region (southeast region of France) is most impacted, with 57 cases, but cases have been identified in all regions of mainland France.
Isolated cases have also been reported in Belgium, Luxembourg and Norway.
The company has recall the cheese saying: As a precautionary measure, the products are being voluntarily withdrawn in order not to expose consumers to a possible risk of Yersinia enterocolitica. People who have consumed these products and who present these symptoms are invited to consult their doctor and report this consumption. In the absence of symptoms within 10 days after consuming the products concerned, there is no need to worry and consult a doctor.
Common symptoms of Yersiniosis, caused by Yersinia enterocolitica in children are fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which is often bloody. In older children and adults, right-sided abdominal pain and fever may be the predominant symptoms, and may be confused with appendicitis. In a small portion of cases, complications such as skin rash, joint pains, or spread of bacteria to the bloodstream can occur. Symptoms usually start 4 to 7 days after infection with the bacteria.
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You can get yersiniosis by eating contaminated food, especially raw or undercooked pork. Drinking milk or water contaminated with wastes from infected persons, farm animals, or household pets (especially sick puppies and kittens) can also cause illness. Person-to-person spread is rare.
An infected person is contagious for at least as long as the symptoms last. Some people with yersiniosis continue to be infectious for weeks or months, even after the diarrhea has ended.
Most persons get well on their own without antibiotic treatment. Severe infections and infections in young children with diarrhea can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.