In France, an outbreak of Yersinia enterocolitica biotype 2, serotype O:9 linked to raw milk goat’s cheese has affected more than 130 people.
The outbreak centered around the Etoile de Provence Banon AOP 100-gram cheese with expiration dates up to August 2, 2024, has prompted recalls across more than 20 countries, including Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The outbreak’s onset in France spans from January 27 to June 28, with cases reported in all mainland regions, most notably impacting the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region where 57 cases have been identified. The affected individuals, ranging from 3 to 85 years old with a median age of 49, are predominantly women.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is closely monitoring the situation, coordinating with member states and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Despite control measures being implemented in affected countries, the widespread distribution of the implicated cheese across several EU and European Economic Area (EEA) countries increases the risk of additional yersiniosis cases.
The ECDC notes that reported cases may represent only a fraction of actual infections due to underreporting and the lack of routine pathogen sequencing.
Yersiniosis typically manifests with symptoms appearing three to seven days post-infection, including fever, abdominal cramps, diarrhea (often bloody or watery), headaches, and vomiting.
While the illness is usually self-limiting, lasting from one to three days up to three weeks, severe cases can occur, especially among vulnerable populations.
The outbreak underscores the importance of swift public health responses and heightened surveillance to mitigate further spread and ensure prompt medical intervention for affected individuals.
The French Yersinia National Reference Laboratory has been actively involved despite non-mandatory reporting of enteric yersiniosis cases, receiving isolates and clinical data to aid in outbreak management. In 2022 alone, France recorded 1,558 cases of yersiniosis, including several confirmed outbreaks.
The ongoing collaboration between national authorities, the ECDC, and international partners aims to contain the outbreak’s impact and prevent future occurrences through targeted food safety measures and public health interventions.
