EHEC wave in MV: Worrying infection numbers continue to rise!

EHEC wave in MV: Worrying infection numbers continue to rise!

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the alarming number of infections with the dangerous EHEC bacterium has continued to rise. Eleven new cases were recorded on September 17, 2025, bringing the total number to 89 confirmed infections. The State Office for Health and Social Affairs in Rostock relies on the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), which is closely monitoring the situation but has not identified any abnormalities in other regions of Germany.

EHEC cases have been increasing in the country since mid-August 2023, with the current outbreak taking on worrying characteristics, especially since holidaymakers are also affected. The infections often lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)—a serious illness that particularly endangers children. 19 of the 89 patients so far had to be treated in intensive care due to this complication.

Background to EHEC and its symptoms

EHEC, which stands for Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, is an intestinal bacterium found primarily in ruminants. It produces Shiga toxins that can cause serious illness. Infection typically occurs through consumption of contaminated food or through smear infections. The symptoms range from abdominal pain, watery diarrhea to bloody diarrhea, nausea and fever, with 10-20% of those affected having to expect serious complications; older people and small children are particularly at risk.

What is striking is that the number of infections rose to 16 new cases on September 17 alone, prompting authorities to conduct extensive interviews with affected families to identify the source of the infection. Unfortunately, so far the search has yielded no tangible results, which does not make the situation any less worrying.

Prevention measures and outlook

The health authorities advise compliance with strict hygiene rules to prevent further spread. Consuming raw or undercooked beef, raw milk, and unwashed vegetables should be avoided. As well as direct contact with ruminants and general hand washing to prevent infection as much as possible.

The developments in the EHEC outbreak are alarming, especially given the high number of infections since August 2025, which show 107 cases nationwide, 89 of which were recorded in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Time will tell whether health authorities will be able to identify the causes of the illnesses and initiate effective measures to contain the infection. Citizens are called upon to be vigilant and to regularly inform themselves about current developments. Like Ostsee-Zeitung and [Watson].