STEC Outbreak: Five Children Hospitalized in Belgium

Five young children from Antwerp province have been hospitalized with severe kidney complications after suspected infection with the STEC bacteria, a dangerous variant of E. coli. Health authorities believe the outbreak may be linked to a visit to Kinderboerderij Mikerf, a petting farm in Brasschaat, Belgium, though a broader investigation into food sources is also underway.

The children, who became ill between June 27 and July 2, 2026, are suffering from Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a rare but serious condition that occurs when STEC bacteria toxins attack the kidneys. According to VRT NWS, the Flemish public broadcaster, the Flemish Department of Care (Departement Zorg), the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FAVV), and the public health institute Sciensano are jointly investigating the outbreak.

What Is STEC and Why Is It Dangerous?

STEC (Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli) is a rare but dangerous bacterial strain. Only 80 to 130 cases are reported annually in Belgium. The bacteria naturally resides in the intestines of cattle, goats, and sheep, and infection typically occurs through contact with farm animals, consumption of undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy, or contaminated produce.

Professor Sandra Van Puyvelde, a microbiologist at the University of Antwerp, explained in a background article that the bacteria produces a toxin that can penetrate intestinal cells and spread throughout the body, potentially causing kidney failure. In about 10 percent of symptomatic cases, infection leads to HUS, which is fatal in 3 to 5 percent of cases. Young children and the elderly are most at risk.

The Outbreak and Investigation

Anneleen De Sadeleer, spokesperson for Departement Zorg, confirmed the situation to VRT NWS: “That is a rare but serious complication that can occur after an infection with the STEC bacteria.” She noted that while the bacteria typically causes diarrhea, sometimes with blood, HUS represents a severe escalation where the kidneys are directly affected.

The suspected source is Kinderboerderij Mikerf in Brasschaat, a popular petting farm. However, not all affected children visited the farm, complicating the investigation. “We cannot yet link all cases to that, so a broader investigation is underway,” De Sadeleer said. “The bacteria can also end up in food.”

Preventive measures have been implemented at the farm: all animal activities are suspended, and samples have been collected from children who recently visited. Hospitals, general practitioners, and pediatricians across the region have been alerted to watch for additional cases, as reported by Het Laatste Nieuws.

A Family’s Harrowing Experience

The outbreak has brought renewed attention to the dangers of STEC, particularly through the story of one-year-old Marielou from Deinze. Two months before the current outbreak, Marielou was infected with the same bacterial strain and spent 17 days in intensive care at UZ Gent.

Her mother, Vanessa Laverge, shared her family’s ordeal with HLN: “It was heartbreaking to see my child like this. Everything went incredibly fast and as a parent you feel powerless.” Marielou required two blood transfusions and suffered from HUS and kidney failure. “To this day we still don’t know how she got infected. We just had plain bad luck.”

Marielou has since recovered, though she remains under medical supervision. “The blood tests last week were positive and a recent urine test also gave good results,” Laverge said. “I hope from the bottom of my heart that those children will be okay.”

Broader Context and Concerns

This outbreak follows a significant STEC outbreak in August 2025 that affected Flemish nursing homes, resulting in at least 20 confirmed infections and five deaths, as reported by NOS. All cases in that outbreak involved the same genetic strain, suggesting a single food source. The current cluster raises questions about whether STEC is becoming more prevalent in Belgium.

What Happens Next

The investigation by Departement Zorg, FAVV, and Sciensano continues, with authorities analyzing samples and tracing potential sources. The key question remains whether the infections originated from animal contact at the petting farm or from a contaminated food product. If foodborne, the implications could extend beyond the immediate region.

Health authorities urge families who have visited Kinderboerderij Mikerf to remain vigilant for symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and decreased urination in children. Parents are advised to seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms appear, particularly in young children.