EHEC outbreak in MV: Authorities are desperately searching for the source!

EHEC outbreak in MV: Authorities are desperately searching for the source!

An emergency is currently making headlines in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: According to current reports, more than 40 people have been infected with the dangerous Ehec virus. This outbreak is anything but trivial, as around one in four people who became ill had serious illnesses that are not without consequences. Particularly worrying is the information provided by n-tv.de - more than 44 confirmed infections since mid-August, 16 of which could be assigned to the specific outbreak strain.

The social committee of the state parliament will address the issue at a special meeting on September 11th in Schwerin. Health Minister Stefanie Drese (SPD) is obliged to present a report on the situation. The source of the outbreak remains a mystery and there is no reliable information about the cause of the infection. There is a certain drama in the reporting - so far 10 of those infected have suffered from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which leads to blood clotting and kidney dysfunction, especially in children.

The details of the outbreak

According to current statistics, 45 EHEC cases have now been documented in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, including 12 with severe disease that are classified as HUS. Interestingly, most of the sick people have already recovered, but 15 of them are still being treated in hospital and are in stable condition. The sick include not only locals, but also vacationers from other federal states, which makes the search for the source of the infection all the more complicated, reports ndr.de.

The responsibility of the authorities is enormous, because it is not only important to provide appropriate care for those who are sick, but also to protect the population. Before school started, schools were provided with information material on hygiene and prevention. In order to provide information, the risk foods that can potentially lead to the spread of EHEC germs are also addressed. These include, in particular, raw milk products, minced meat and fruit and vegetables that have been contaminated by contaminated fertilizer or water. The risk of infection through contaminated hands should not be neglected.

Protection and prevention

EHEC bacteria cause mild to severe gastrointestinal problems. Symptoms usually appear between three and ten days after infection: These include watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In the most severe cases, this can lead to kidney failure. Infants, small children as well as older people and people with weakened immune systems are particularly affected and must pay particular attention to compliance with hygiene regulations. The Robert Koch Institute is involved in driving forward the surveys and determining the cause. Unfortunately, an initial standardized questionnaire did not produce clear results, and finding the source remains a challenge, as does tagesschau.de.

Previous food recalls, such as the one from Schleizer Fleisch- und Wurstwaren GmbH regarding onion sausage, do not make the investigation any easier. It is still unclear whether there is a possible connection to the current EHEC cases.