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In the picturesque region of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, health officials are grappling with an ongoing outbreak of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), a particularly aggressive and rare strain of bacteria in Europe.
The investigation into the source of the outbreak has been ongoing for over eight weeks, with no clear explanation for the increased occurrence of EHEC infections. The health official in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Drese, has likened the task to a Sisyphean task, as each day brings new cases and questions, but no definitive answers.
EHEC produces Shiga toxins, strong cell poisons that cause severe diarrhea in humans. In severe cases, it can lead to blood clotting disorders and kidney function disorders, known as hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, HUS is currently being diagnosed in about every fifth case of EHEC infection.
The first severe cases of diarrhea due to EHEC were reported in Vorpommern in early August. Since then, the health authorities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern have registered a double-digit increase in new EHEC infections for two consecutive days. As of the beginning of September, 89 cases of EHEC have been registered in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, with 35 proven to be caused by the identified bacterial strain.
The bacterial strain responsible for the outbreak has been identified, but the source remains elusive. The outbreak of EHEC in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has been ongoing for more than a month, and the health authorities are working tirelessly to determine the infection origin.
EHEC can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with animals or consumption of contaminated food. The health authorities are investigating all possible routes of transmission, from farm animals to food processing plants.
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has seen a significant increase in EHEC infections over the past year. In 2024, more than 130 cases were recorded, compared to 80 in the previous year. The region is currently the center of the current EHEC outbreak, with 107 infections nationwide attributed to it.
While the number of reported cases is concerning, it's important to note that EHEC infections occur regularly. In 2023, over 3,440 cases were recorded nationwide, around 4,570 in 2024, and approximately 3,700 by the end of August this year.
Five HUS-related deaths were reported nationwide in 2023, and three in 2024. The incubation period for EHEC can be up to ten days, making it challenging to contain the spread.
Health officials urge the public to practice good hygiene, especially when handling food and animals, to reduce the risk of EHEC infection. They also advise cooking meat thoroughly and washing fruits and vegetables before consumption.
As the investigation into the source of the EHEC outbreak continues, health and food authorities remain committed to finding answers and protecting the public's health. The task may be daunting, but the determination of health officials in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern remains undeterred.
