South-east France commune bans tap water amid stomach flu surge

Residents of a commune in Bouches-du Rhône have been banned from drinking tap water due to a stomach flu outbreak. 

Around 50 people have reported symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, and, in some instances, hospitalisation. In response, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) and Société des Eaux de Marseille (the Marseille Water Company) have advised residents, on April 16, not to consume tap water in Rousset.

“The Regional Health Agency was alerted to an increase in cases of acute gastroenteritis in the municipality,” the agency stated. It also noted that a “technical malfunction has been identified in the water chlorination system managed by the Marseille Water Company.”

To address the issue, the water supply has been treated again with chlorine, the network flushed, and analyses carried out to assess water quality.

The Marseille Water Company maintains that this is a precautionary measure and that initial tests indicate that the distributed water meets standard biological parameters, although further investigations are ongoing.

What to do until the issue is resolved

Until authorities give the all-clear, residents — especially those who are immunocompromised or have undergone transplants — are advised not to drink tap water and to use bottled water instead.

If bottled water is not available, tap water should be boiled for at least two minutes before consumption or use in food preparation.

Baby bottles should be prepared using bottled water. In addition, alcohol-based hand sanitisers should be used frequently, followed by proper drying, to help prevent transmission of potential contaminants.

Tap water can still be used for cooking, showering, and washing dishes.

Anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to seek medical attention promptly.

The Marseille Water Company has also set up a bottled water distribution point at the Emilien Ventre community hall in Rousset, open from 8:30 pm until the situation is resolved.