Roughly 40 EHEC infections have been reported in Germany and Belgium, with nearly 20 cases in the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region alone, primarily affecting children. Five people have died in Belgium alone.
EHEC Origin and Impact
EHEC, a specific strain of Escherichia coli, has caused severe gastrointestinal infections and in some cases, death. Recently reported cases in Germany and Belgium mirror the 2011 outbreak where over 3,800 people were infected and more than 50 died.
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Cases Soar
In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the number of EHEC cases has risen to 17, with a majority affecting children. Several of these children have required ICU treatment.
Potential Food Link
The withdrawal of a specific type of metka onion sausage has been linked to the spread of EHEC in the region. Produced by Schleizer Fleisch- und Wurstwaren GmbH in Thuringia, the 500g packages have been found to contain the bacteria.
Belgium’s Situation
In Belgian retirement homes, around 20 people have been infected, with at least five deaths according to the Flemish health authority.
Source: Gazeta,
