Children’s Farm in Brasschaat Isolates Animals After STEC Outbreak
A children’s farm in Brasschaat, Belgium, has isolated all its ruminant animals as health authorities investigate a possible link between the farm and severe kidney complications in five young children. The children, all from Antwerp province, fell ill between June 27 and July 2 with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a rare but serious complication of infection with the STEC bacteria, as reported by VRT NWS.
The Outbreak
The five children were hospitalized with HUS, a condition that occurs when the Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) bacteria attacks the kidneys. “That is a rare but serious complication that can occur after an infection with the STEC bacteria,” explained Anneleen De Sadeleer, spokesperson for the Flemish Department of Care (Departement Zorg), speaking to VRT NWS. “Normally it stays with diarrhea, which may also contain blood. With HUS the situation is serious because the kidneys are affected.”
Among the most critically affected is Eleonora Althea, a 2.5-year-old girl who remains in a medically induced coma at UZA hospital in Edegem. Her father, Massimiliano, told Het Laatste Nieuws that her kidneys, heart, and lungs have been affected. “Of course we will keep fighting for her, no matter how difficult it is. But I have no words for this. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy,” he said.
Her 3-year-old brother, Santiago, was also infected but has since recovered. Santiago may have contracted the bacteria during a class trip to Kinderboerderij Mikerf on June 11, later passing it to his sister.
Farm Response
Jan Moereels, operator of Kinderboerderij Mikerf — which is part of the Aralea sheltered workshop — described the situation as “a bolt from the blue.” In an interview with VRT NWS, he stated: “All ruminants are isolated so that visitors cannot come into contact with the animals.” The farm remains open, but all animal contact activities have been suspended. Summer camps continue with modified programs featuring crafts, sports, and games instead of animal interactions.
Mayor of Brasschaat, Adinda Van Gerven (N-VA), emphasized that safety comes first. “Every year 6,000 primary school children and preschoolers come here, and that doesn’t even include the parents and grandparents. It’s a real attraction in our municipality,” she told VRT NWS.
Investigation Underway
The Flemish Department of Care is leading the investigation alongside the Federal Agency for Food Safety (FAVV) and the health institute Sciensano. According to VILT, multiple possible sources are being examined: direct contact with animals or their manure, contaminated food, and person-to-person transmission. Stool samples have been taken from both the animals and the affected children for laboratory comparison.
Joris Moonens of the Department of Care stated: “Until we know more about the source of the outbreak, children will not be allowed to visit the stables of the children’s farm.”
Understanding STEC and HUS
STEC is a variant of E. coli bacteria commonly found in the intestines of ruminant animals such as cattle, goats, and sheep. Transmission occurs through direct contact with animals, consumption of contaminated food or water, or person-to-person contact. According to European data from 2023, 60% of HUS patients were aged 0-4 years, and 5-10% of HUS cases result in death.
Belgium experienced a previous STEC outbreak in August 2025, when several residential care centers were affected, with the bacteria suspected to have entered via food products.
What’s Next
No new infections have been reported since the initial five cases, but the investigation remains ongoing. The farm’s precautionary measures will remain in place until the source of the outbreak is confirmed. The case has raised broader questions about hygiene protocols at children’s farms and petting zoos, particularly as summer vacation brings thousands of children to such facilities across Belgium.
For the family of Eleonora Althea, the wait continues. Her father’s words capture the human toll of the outbreak: “We will keep fighting for her, no matter how difficult it is.”