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EHEC alarm in MV: Four children infected, three in intensive care!
Several children in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania infected; three in intensive care. Investigations into the source of EHEC infection are ongoing.
EHEC alarm in MV: Four children infected, three in intensive care!
Concerns about the health of children in northern Germany are growing after several cases of EHEC infections were reported in the Vorpommern-Rügen district. Welt.de reports that Four confirmed cases and two suspected cases were identified, with the affected children being between one and 14 years old. These children come from different federal states, while a local child from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is affected.
Shocking symptoms
EHEC (Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli) usually presents with symptoms such as vomiting and watery, sometimes bloody stools. All sick people have shown these symptoms after August 18th. The condition of three of the affected children, who require intensive care, is particularly worrying; one of them is in Baden-Württemberg, while two are being treated at the Rostock University Hospital. Kidney failure had already occurred in two patients, requiring dialysis treatments.
The exact infection chains are still unclear as the authorities are still investigating. Tagesschau informs that The infection usually occurs through contact with infected animals, through contaminated food or person-to-person transmission. Foods such as raw milk products, minced meat and fresh vegetables are particularly at risk.
Ongoing investigations and warnings
The responsible health authorities are taking the situation seriously. Measures are being taken to determine the source of the infections. Possible sources of infection include contaminated water or food. Despite the protective measures already taken, such as hygienic hand washing and avoiding raw animal products, uncertainty remains about possible further infections. Gesund.bund.de points out that EHEC bacteria are very contagious and can be excreted in the stool over several days, even if the symptoms have already subsided.
In 2024, a total of 134 EHEC cases were registered in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, compared to 74 in 2023. A major outbreak in 2011 led to almost 3,800 illnesses and over 50 deaths, which illustrates the danger of these bacteria. Authorities are alert and are calling on the public to be vigilant while investigations into the exact source are ongoing.