Data
The surveillance system for pediatric hemolytic uremic syndrome allows for monitoring the progression of this serious but rare disease in France (100 to 160 reported cases per year). Santé publique France publishes a comprehensive annual report on the surveillance findings.
Incidence in 2024 dropped sharply to its lowest level in over 10 years
In 2024, 87 cases of pediatric hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) were reported to Santé publique France (147 cases in 2023). The annual incidence of pediatric HUS in 2024 was low: 0.8 cases per 100,000 children under 15 years of age, compared to more than 1 case per 100,000 since 2017.
Number of pediatric HUS cases reported in mainland France and annual incidence of HUS per 100,000 person-years among children under 15 years of age, 1996 to 2024
| Year | Number of HUS cases | Annual incidence |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 81 | 0.66 |
| 1997 | 92 | 0.75 |
| 1998 | 76 | 0.59 |
| 1999 | 93 | 0.76 |
| 2000 | 79 | 0.64 |
| 2001 | 74 | 0.61 |
| 2002 | 73 | 0.60 |
| 2003 | 80 | 0.66 |
| 2004 | 87 | 0.72 |
| 2005 | 122 | 1.01 |
| 2006 | 104 | 0.87 |
| 2007 | 74 | 0.62 |
| 2008 | 112 | 0.94 |
| 2009 | 109 | 0.91 |
| 2010 | 122 | 0.99 |
| 2011 | 162 | 1.32 |
| 2012 | 145 | 1.20 |
| 2013 | 152 | 1.22 |
| 2014 | 117 | 0.99 |
| 2015 | 111 | 0.94 |
| 2016 | 113 | 0.96 |
| 2017 | 164 | 1.40 |
| 2018 | 154 | 1.33 |
| 2019 | 168 | 1.46 |
| 2020 | 167 | 1.45 |
| 2021 | 128 | 1.12 |
| 2022 | 252 | 2.22 |
| 2023 | 143 | 1.27 |
| 2024 | 87 | 0.79 |
| Total | 3,441 |
Children under 3 years of age: a decline in incidence, but still a particularly at-risk population
Sixty percent of reported cases were children under the age of three. As in previous years, the highest incidence is observed among children under 3 years of age. However, as was observed for the annual incidence, incidence rates by age group were decreasing, particularly among children under 3 years of age (1.8 cases per 100,000 in 2024 vs. 4 cases per 100,000 in 2023).
Annual incidence of HUS per 100,000 children under 15 years of age by age group. Metropolitan France, 2024.
| Age group | Annual incidence |
|---|---|
| <3 years | 1.78 |
| 3–5 years | 1.60 |
| 6–10 years | 0.32 |
| 11–14 years | 0.24 |
Certain regions are more affected by pediatric hemolytic uremic syndrome
In France, regional incidence rates vary from year to year. In 2024, regional incidence rates were generally low. The highest incidence rates were observed in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and Brittany.
Regional annual incidence rate of pediatric hemolytic uremic syndrome per 100,000 children under 15 years of age. France, 2024
A seasonal pattern has been observed in reported cases of pediatric hemolytic uremic syndrome, but the peak in 2024 was less pronounced
A summer surge in the number of pediatric hemolytic uremic syndrome cases is observed every year, but on a smaller scale in 2024.
Monthly distribution of cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome among children under 15 years of age. France, 2013–2024
Few suspected clusters of infections in 2024
The number of suspected clusters of infections in 2024 was low. Seven epidemiological investigations were initiated during the year, compared to the usual 10 to 20. These involved small clusters (fewer than five cases). None of the investigations identified a specific source of infection among the patients.
Annual Surveillance Reports
INVESTIGATIONS
Investigations into cases of pediatric hemolytic-uremic syndrome
INVESTIGATIONS
dossier thématique
Investigations into cases of pediatric hemolytic-uremic syndrome
In relation to
Outbreaks of foodborne illness
thematic dossier
A foodborne illness outbreak is defined as the occurrence of at least two cases with similar symptoms—typically gastrointestinal—that can be traced to a single food source. In France, such...
