EHEC outbreak: Two children in Oberhavel in hospital with HUS!

EHEC outbreak: Two children in Oberhavel in hospital with HUS!

In recent days, an outbreak of the dangerous EHEC bacteria in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has caused great concern. Not only children from the region are affected, but also a number of holidaymakers who have stayed in this area. Currently, 45 people are sick, including 12 with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). As rbb24 reports, the health authorities in the Oberhavel district were able to confirm two new cases in children, whose condition has fortunately improved.

The HUS outbreak, which has been registered since mid-August, particularly affects children who are susceptible to the aggressive bacteria. The strain “EHEC O45:H2 Stx2a” poses a particular danger. Parents are called upon to be vigilant and to act immediately if symptoms such as bloody diarrhea or severe abdominal pain occur.

Connections and accompanying measures

The health authorities are currently intensively searching for the source of the infections. So far, the exact cause remains unclear. The Tagesschau informs that veterinarians and food inspectors are investigating various potential sources of origin. The developments to date also include the recall of onion sausage, which was recalled by Schleizer Fleisch- und Wurstwaren GmbH in several federal states due to the risk of EHEC. However, it has not yet been conclusively clarified whether there is a connection to the current EHEC cases.

Health Minister Stefanie Drese (SPD) emphasized that patients with HUS are often temporarily dependent on dialysis to stabilize their kidney function. Fortunately, most of those affected are in a stable condition, although 15 people are still being treated as inpatients.

Safety precautions for schools

For prevention, schools have been provided with information materials, and a new standardized questionnaire is also being used to collect relevant data from those affected. The situation is serious and with school starting on Monday, the authorities are faced with the challenge of keeping the situation under control.

Tracing the infections is proving difficult. The Minister of Health has rejected the request to set up a crisis team and is relying on close cooperation with the Robert Koch Institute and the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lagus).

The authority has now noted that 16 EHEC diseases have been registered in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania since the outbreak in mid-August, affecting 13 children and three adults. Of the sick children, five are currently struggling with complications, which underlines the urgency of the situation.

In summary, the authorities are continuing to do everything they can to contain the infections and ensure health care for those affected. There is a need for action and the situation remains tense. The collective effort to educate and prevent is critical to stopping the spread of the EHEC pathogen.