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Aug 28, 2025 - Foods

EHECcasesinVorpommern:TwochildreninRostockclinic

Current reports from Vorpommern-Rügen indicate four confirmed EHEC infections in children, including three vacationers from different federal states and one local child. These alarming cases demonstrate how serious the threat of EHEC bacteria is, which can lead to severe illnesses.

The affected children are currently receiving intensive medical care, two of them at the University Hospital Rostock, while another child is being treated in Baden-Württemberg. Two of the patients require dialysis due to kidney failure. All illnesses occurred after August 18.

Affected by the situation, a father reported that his one-and-a-half-year-old son vomited severely and had diarrhea during their vacation on Rügen. So far, medical professionals could only treat the symptoms; the body itself must fight the bacterial infection.

Health authorities have initiated investigations into the source of the infections. Stool samples are being analyzed to determine if the EHEC germs are directly related to the symptoms that have occurred. Additionally, the food supply chains are being checked. In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, there have already been 134 registered EHEC cases this year, an increase compared to the 74 cases in the entire year 2024 and only 30 cases in 2023.

EHEC bacteria are found in the intestines of ruminants such as cattle, sheep, and goats. These animals carry the germs without becoming ill themselves and can transmit them through excretions. The transmission route often occurs through unwashed, raw vegetables or inadequately heated meat. Doctors, therefore, recommend thoroughly washing fresh food before consumption.

In our laboratory, we regularly conduct comprehensive tests for Escherichia coli, STEC/VTEC, and other pathogenic microorganisms such as Salmonella or Listeria monocytogenes. With our high level of routine, we guarantee fast and reliable results. Our customer service representatives are always available to answer any questions you may have.

Investigation steps in our laboratory:

- Enrichment

- Realtime (RT)-PCR

- Cultural confirmation in the event of a positive result (in consultation)

- Serotyping at the customer's request (O26, O45, O103, O104, O111, O121, O145, O157)

For further information on Escherichia coli and STEC/VTEC serotypes, visit our BAV briefs:

- What is the significance of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in food?

- What is the significance of EHEC/STEC/VTEC in food?

If you have any questions, our customer advisors are happy to assist and advise you.