EHEC outbreak in MV: Two deaths and many questions about the source of infection!

EHEC outbreak in MV: Two deaths and many questions about the source of infection!

An outbreak of EHEC, a special form of coliform bacteria, is causing concern in Germany. On October 3, 2025, the Health Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Stefanie Drese, announced that there was no “acute outbreak” in the state, but the situation remains tense. As of October 22, 183 cases have been attributed to the current outbreak, including 48 serious illnesses involving hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and at least two deaths, including a boy aged 5 to 10 and a woman between 70 and 80. Both died from complications of HUS, for which the mortality rate is around two percent, as Zeit reports.

The EHEC outbreak, which has been affecting health authorities since mid-August, is considered one of the most serious since 2011. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is particularly affected, as it has the most confirmed cases. A second focus of infections is in central North Rhine-Westphalia. In the case of 168 further cases, it is still unclear whether they can be attributed to the current outbreak, which indicates a larger number of unreported cases, as not all those affected have undergone a bacterial analysis, explains Northern Courier.

Process and symptoms of an EHEC infection

But what exactly is EHEC? EHEC stands for enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, which is typically found in the intestines of ruminants such as cattle and sheep. These bacteria produce Shiga toxins, which can cause severe diarrhea and possibly HUS. These include symptoms such as watery diarrhea, fever and, in the worst case, even kidney failure, like this NDR executes.

Children under the age of ten are particularly vulnerable because their immune systems are not yet fully developed and cannot fight off the threat well. In the current wave, young children in particular are becoming ill; the average age of those affected is four years. In the event of kidney failure, it may be necessary to initiate dialysis treatment to stabilize the health of the affected children.

Cause and preventive measures

The exact cause of the infections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is currently unknown. However, experts believe that contamination of food, especially meat and sausage products, could play a role. Herbal products could also be potentially at risk. There has so far been no evidence of transmission through contact with animals or contaminated water.

To prevent things from getting to that point in the first place, preventive measures are of the utmost importance. Washing your hands regularly, cooking food thoroughly, and washing fruits and vegetables are crucial to protecting yourself and others. The Robert Koch Institute emphasizes that infections can also be transmitted from person to person via smear infections, which requires further vigilance.

The current outbreak remains under close observation by health authorities as the situation can change at any time. While September and October are a critical time for those affected, it is hoped that early diagnosis and timely medical intervention can save many lives.