2023-09-14 17:02:02
Party hall in Beernem closed after new infections with intestinal infection
Beernem, Belgium – The Zandberghoeve banquet hall in Beernem has been temporarily closed following an outbreak of shigellosis, an intestinal infection. This comes after several individuals who attended events at the party hall over the past two weekends tested positive for the infection. As a precautionary measure, the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) has also ordered the entire establishment to be cleaned by an external company and has taken samples of the working environment.
The Department of Healthcare is expanding its examination of stool samples to include all staff members. Joris Moonens, spokesperson for the Department of Healthcare, explained that the infections initially seemed to be limited to one group of around 50 people who attended a party at the Zandberghoeve on the weekend of September 2. However, after active follow-up measures, it was discovered that six individuals out of a group of eight who visited the Zandberghoeve restaurant last Saturday showed symptoms of shigella infection. One case has already been confirmed. It is suspected that there may be further cases of illness in other groups from the same weekend, indicating a potential source of contamination within the Zandberghoeve.
Hélène Bonte, spokesperson for the FASFC, emphasized the ongoing investigation with the Department of Healthcare to determine the source of the contamination. Food samples and swabs have been taken from the area, but no conclusions have been drawn so far. In the interest of consumer safety, the entire Zandberghoeve has been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure, and the operator must ensure that the location undergoes professional disinfection.
Parallel to these measures, the Department of Healthcare is conducting an investigation into possible infections among staff members. Stool samples have already been taken from those who served the affected group, with ongoing examination by national reference laboratories and Sciensano. Now, stool samples will be collected from all staff members. Only when it is determined that they are not infected will they be allowed to return to work. Furthermore, the Department of Healthcare will inquire about points of contact and common interactions between groups affected by the illness.
Once the results of the environmental and staff samples are available, and after the location has been professionally cleaned, the FASFC will consult with the Department of Healthcare to determine when the Zandberghoeve can reopen to the public.
Shigellosis, the cause of the intestinal infection, is caused by a Shigella bacterium. The infection can spread through person-to-person contact when an infected individual contaminates surfaces or passes on the bacteria through their hands. The bacteria can also be transmitted through contaminated food or sexual contact. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, and watery or bloody diarrhea. While shigellosis can be serious and may lead to complications, it typically resolves without antibiotics in 5 to 10 days.
Shigellosis is sporadic in Flanders, with approximately 200 reported cases per year. The majority of infections occur among travelers to endemic zones, family members of infected individuals, especially young children, and men who have sex with men.
The closure and investigation of the Zandberghoeve aim to prevent further infections and protect public health. Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely and take necessary measures to ensure the safety of consumers.]
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