Guessing the cause
Clarebout is struggling with 100 sick employees
A persistent disease has been raging at potato processor Clarebout Potatoes in Nieuwkerke, West Flanders, for several weeks now. More than 100 employees have now fallen ill. After a few days they are back on top. What fell the employees, remains unknown for the time being. This is reported by government agencies.
At the end of July, 18 Clarebout employees fell ill in a short time. At the beginning of August, that quickly rose to more than 100 employees. Agency for Care and Health confirms the news. This mainly concerns French employees, namely 71 people. About 80% of all employees at Clarebout's factory come from France.
The exact cause of the disease remains a mystery. The Flemish government focuses on 2 possibilities: Pontiac fever, a lighter form of Legionella infection, or a reaction to an organic substance with bacterial remains of living material. Flu and Legionella have already been ruled out.
No new infections
The employees mainly complain of headaches and fever. The symptoms disappear after a few days. No new reports have been made since July 29. The situation is now under control, says the Agency for Care and Health. The company has not yet been able to find infections outside the company.
Extra hygiene regulations
Clarebout is collaborating with specialists and the company doctor in the investigation. The outbreak started in the distribution center and spread to the production department. In the other branch of the company there is nothing wrong.
Spokesperson Gert Masselus says that hygiene regulations have been tightened. More details about the exact cause are expected this week.
Niels van der Boom
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