Sixth Child Stricken by STEC Bacteria in Belgium; Petting Zoo Named Likely Source
A sixth young child has been diagnosed with severe kidney complications caused by the STEC bacteria in Belgium’s Antwerp province, with health authorities identifying a petting zoo in Brasschaat as the most probable source of the outbreak. The cluster of cases has left one toddler in an induced coma with multi-organ damage and prompted the temporary closure of the facility.
The Outbreak
All six affected children, aged between one and three years, developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) — a life-threatening complication of STEC infection that causes acute kidney failure. The children were hospitalized between late June and early July 2026, with the sixth case confirmed on July 18.
According to Het Laatste Nieuws, the sixth child visited petting zoo Mikerf in Brasschaat during the first week of July, reinforcing the link between the facility and the outbreak.
The Victims
The most critically affected child is Eleonora Althea (2.5), who remains in an induced coma at the University Hospital of Antwerp (UZA) in Edegem. Her kidneys and heart have been damaged by the infection, and she is receiving dialysis. Her father, Massimiliano, told HLN that the family is “broken with grief” but continues to pray for her recovery.
Eleonora contracted the bacteria from her three-year-old brother, Santiago Nathan, who had visited Mikerf on a school trip on June 11. Santiago has since recovered.
Another child, Jayden (3) from Merksem, visited the petting zoo on June 30 and was treated at UZA with dialysis and two blood transfusions. His mother, Kristine, told reporters she “wouldn’t wish this on any child.” A one-year-old named Marielou from Deinze remains in intensive care.
The Investigation
Joris Moonens, spokesperson for the Flemish Department of Care (Vlaams Departement Zorg), confirmed that investigators have found the same bacterial type in both the affected children and in animal manure samples collected from Mikerf. “When you know that a number of children were there, that contact with animals and animal manure is a possible source of infection, and that it’s the same type of bacteria, then the petting zoo is the most likely place,” Moonens said, as reported by VRT NWS.
Full genetic analysis is still pending to confirm a one-to-one DNA match between the human and animal samples. Authorities are also investigating the possibility of foodborne transmission.
Closure and Response
The municipality of Brasschaat, in consultation with operator Aralea, has temporarily closed Mikerf and its adjoining Hoevekaffee cafe. Acting Mayor Adinda Van Gerven (N-VA) stated that the closure allows time to implement necessary safety measures “so that Mikerf can continue to exist.”
Jan Moereels, the facility’s operator, described the situation as “a bolt from the blue” but confirmed that immediate measures were taken. Earlier, the petting zoo had already suspended all animal contact activities and isolated its ruminants — goats, sheep, and cows — from visitors.
Understanding STEC
STEC (Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli) is a dangerous variant of E. coli that attaches to the intestinal wall and produces toxins damaging intestinal cells. While most infections cause diarrhea — sometimes bloody — a small percentage of cases, particularly in young children, progress to HUS, where the kidneys fail, red blood cells are destroyed, and platelets are depleted.
Petting zoos are known risk environments for STEC transmission. Young children are especially vulnerable due to close contact with animals, less developed hygiene practices, and increased susceptibility to severe complications. Mikerf, a popular facility in Park De Mik, typically receives approximately 6,000 primary school children and preschoolers annually.
What’s Next
Health authorities — including the Flemish Department of Care, the Federal Food Agency (FAVV), and the national health institute Sciensano — continue their epidemiological investigation. The key question remains whether full genetic testing will confirm a definitive match between the children’s bacterial samples and those found in animal manure.
The long-term health outcomes for the affected children remain uncertain. Eleonora’s recovery timeline depends on whether dialysis and medication prove effective. Questions also persist about whether the affected children will suffer permanent kidney damage requiring ongoing treatment.
This outbreak may prompt broader discussions about hygiene protocols and safety regulations at petting zoos across Belgium, as the public health system grapples with preventing future incidents at facilities that bring young children into close contact with animals.