Killer bug claims ten Belgian lives

27 July 2004

BRUSSELS – An infection known as the “killer bacteria” has claimed ten lives in Belgium over the past four months, it emerged on Tuesday.

The streptocoque pyogenes bacteria struck down a total of 76 people between April 1 and July 13, according to “La Derniere Heure.”

The bug, which causes throat infections, scarlet fever, pneumonia and skin infections has already killed ten of those people.

Emergency doctors, health and hygiene specialists are conducting a survey among those affected by the bug to gather as much information as possible on the emergence of the rogue bacteria.

Subject: Belgian News