A devastating outbreak of Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC), centered in Belgian long-term care facilities, has sickened more than 70 people and so far is believed to have caused nine deaths. Investigators now say epidemiologic evidence and traceability work point to raw minced or ground beef as the most likely vehicle, though laboratory confirmation tying the exact contaminated batch to patients is not yet possible. The outbreak has prompted urgent public-health action, supplier tracebacks, and a criminal probe by Belgian prosecutors.

What Happened and Where

According to Belga News Agency in Belgium, clusters of severe gastrointestinal illness were first reported in mid to late August 2025 among residents of multiple nursing homes across Flanders and other regions of Belgium

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