EHEC wave in MV: Five children in intensive care – fear is growing!

EHEC wave in MV: Five children in intensive care – fear is growing!

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the currently increasing number of EHEC infections in children is causing great concern. According to the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (LAGuS) in Rostock, nine sick children between the ages of 1 and 14 have been registered to date, including one suspected case. Five of the children are currently on vacation on Rügen, where the first infections occurred. In addition, three other children in the neighboring district of Vorpommern-Greifswald fell ill. As the Picture Reportedly, some of the affected children show symptoms in the form of diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

The situation is serious as five of the sick children suffer from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and are therefore being treated in intensive care units. HUS can lead to serious complications such as anemia, neurological disorders and kidney failure. So far this year, 134 EHEC cases have already been reported, an alarming increase compared to the 132 cases in all of 2024 and 80 cases in 2023.

Causes of infections

EHEC, which stands for enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, is a bacterium that is normally found in the intestines of animals. The bacteria are often transmitted through vegetables contaminated with manure or water contaminated with pollutants. “These germs can lead to an infection in very small quantities,” explains the Federal Center for Health Education. Healthy animals that do not show any symptoms themselves but can still be infected are particularly at risk.

The eighth infections that have now been checked and a suspected case from Western Pomerania show that the situation must be monitored closely. The authorities are actively looking for possible sources of infection. Continuous controls in food supply chains are crucial to prevent further cases. The health authorities also recommend washing fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating and cleaning your hands regularly, especially after contact with animals.

The current status

According to current findings, four EHEC infections have been confirmed in the Vorpommern-Rügen district. Three further cases occurred in the Vorpommern-Greifswald district. The affected children all come from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and are between the ages of one and five years old. Two of these children have developed HUS and are receiving intensive medical care; Two patients therefore even need dialysis after kidney failure.

With each new infection, the pressure on the health authorities grows. The illnesses began appearing on August 18 and initial stool samples were tested to establish a link to the symptoms. The population is called upon to be particularly careful and to inform themselves about the risks of EHEC infections in order to minimize further illnesses. The Reporting by NDR emphasizes that the source of the infections is currently unknown and the authorities are intensively researching the cause. It remains to be hoped that the situation can soon be brought under control and further illnesses can be stopped.