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EHEC wave in MV: Five new cases, children particularly affected!
EHEC infections are increasing in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and children are predominantly affected. Causes remain unclear.
EHEC wave in MV: Five new cases, children particularly affected!
In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the occurrence of EHEC infections is attracting concerned attention. As of September 2, 2025, the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (LAGuS) in Rostock reported five new confirmed cases. The total number of those affected has risen to 22 since mid-August, with the majority of those infected being children.
The newly diagnosed cases include two children ages 1 to 13 and three adults ages 67 to 79. What is worrying is that two of these adults require hospitalization, while several of the infected children have hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This complication can lead to serious health problems, including destruction of red blood cells, blood clotting disorders, and kidney dysfunction. Intensive medical care is often unavoidable in such cases.
Origin and routes of distribution unclear
The transmission routes of EHEC infections remain unclear. EHEC stands for enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, bacteria normally found in the intestines of ruminants. Infection can occur through contact with infected animals, human contact or contaminated food. Raw milk products, minced meat, raw sausage and contaminated fruit and vegetables are particularly at risk, as tagesschau.de notes.
The authority is now taking measures to identify the source of infection that could be responsible for the current cases. Among other things, laboratory tests and interviews with those affected are carried out in order to better understand the extent of the infections and to prevent future infections.
The symptoms and precautions
Symptoms of an EHEC infection usually appear between three and ten days after infection and can include watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. The course of HUS is also worrying, especially in infected children, as in many cases they can develop kidney failure that requires dialysis. Protective measures such as thorough hand washing and proper food hygiene are therefore particularly important.
In previous years, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania was not spared from EHEC infections. In 2024, over 130 cases were registered, and in 2023 there were at least 80. Historically, a large EHEC outbreak in Germany in 2011 led to around 3,800 illnesses and over 50 deaths, caused by contaminated sprouts.
Given the current situation, it is advisable to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to the recommended hygiene precautions to protect yourself and others.