EHEC outbreak in MV: 22 cases and recall of dangerous sausage!

EHEC outbreak in MV: 22 cases and recall of dangerous sausage!

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, a recent outbreak of EHEC is causing worried faces. Loud NDR A total of 22 EHEC cases were registered as of Monday, including several children and six adults. The State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lagus) has reported five newly confirmed cases, some of which come from other federal states such as North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria.

The situation is serious. To date, children between the ages of 1 and 12 as well as older adults have primarily become ill, and some of them show worrying symptoms. Seven children and two adults are currently being treated in hospital, but are in stable condition. The health authorities are currently intensively searching for the source of the infection, but the situation is complicated. What is striking is the accumulation of severe EHEC courses, while concrete results from sample tests are still pending.

Recall of onion sausage

The recall of onion sausage, which was triggered by Schleizer Fleisch- und Wurstwaren GmbH, is particularly alarming. Toxic EHEC bacteria were detected in a batch with a best-before date of August 27th. Customers in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and ten other federal states were able to purchase this sausage. Customers are requested to return the product to the store and request their money back. However, it remains unclear whether the sausage products are actually connected to the EHEC cases in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

The health authorities also check the eating habits of those affected. Initial tests on cucumber batches were negative and raw milk was ruled out as a possible cause. Nevertheless, the uncertainty remains. A matrix is ​​created to find out what foods the sick people consumed.

Past and prevention

The current increase in EHEC cases also casts a shadow on the statistics of previous years. Last year there were already over 130 cases in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the number increased compared to the previous year when there were 80 cases. Nationally, around 3,660 EHEC diseases were already known this year by the end of August. The number of severe cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is alarming, especially since in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania there are usually only one or two cases per year.

In order to stand up to the EHEC virus, prevention is required. The Federal Office for Risk Assessment offers clear recommendations: Thorough hand washing, careful storage of food and boiling raw milk are essential measures to minimize the risk of infection. The basic hygiene rules are absolutely necessary to protect yourself and others. Children and older people in particular are at risk and should stay away from raw and undercooked meat.

This makes it all the more important to pay more attention to this topic. The current outbreak in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania shows that health-conscious nutrition is essential. Enjoy your food, but do so safely!