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EHEC alarm in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Children in extreme danger!
EHEC infections are increasing in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and several children are becoming ill. Health authorities are looking for causes.
EHEC alarm in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Children in extreme danger!
The health situation in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is currently causing a lot of worry. Despite encouraging words from Health Minister Stefanie Drese, they are rising EHEC infections unbraked. At the beginning of October, 126 cases were registered, and just a few days later there were already 155.
Particularly alarming: The number of cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) climbed to 19. The situation has already led to many worried parents fearing for their children's health. Two deaths related to EHEC infections, including a boy aged 5 to 10 years and a woman over 90 years old, demonstrate the seriousness of this epidemiological challenge.
EHEC and HUS: Focus on risk groups
Children seem to be particularly at risk because their immune systems are not yet fully developed RBB24 reported. An increase in EHEC cases has been identified since mid-August, with several Berlin children also being affected in this context. In Berlin, 168 EHEC cases have been reported so far in 2025, which is above the usual trend of previous years. Parents in Brandenburg and Berlin in particular have their hands full protecting their children from the potentially fatal disease.
The Federal health portal explains the background to EHEC infections: The pathogen is caused by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli bacteria, which can be transmitted via contaminated food or direct contact with animal feces. Around the outbreak, cases of infection from raw vegetables, undercooked meat or old raw milk products are increasing. The health status of the children affected - including three Berlin children with HUS - remains critical but stable.
Unclear sources of infection
The mystery surrounding the source of the current EHEC epidemic remains unsolved. The authorities in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania have not yet been able to identify any specific sources of infection, although they are working with the Robert Koch Institute and other health authorities to break the chain of infection. This raises questions about how the risk should be dealt with and what parents can specifically do to protect their children.
Parents are advised to pay attention to symptoms such as bloody diarrhea or severe abdominal pain and to seek medical attention immediately if suspected. Given the mortality rate, many fear for the health of their offspring. Some of the sick have already recovered, while the rest continue to be treated as inpatients.
The situation requires attention and a sense of responsibility from each individual in order to protect not only their own health, but also that of their family and those around them.