Health authorities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, have been struggling to identify the source of an EHEC bacteria outbreak that has lasted for over a month.
Outbreak Overview
The first serious cases of diarrhea caused by the EHEC bacteria were diagnosed in early August in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The bacteria produce strong toxins that can cause severe diarrhea, and in severe cases, can lead to blood clotting disorders or kidney failure.
Challenges in Identifying the Source
The wave of infections has persisted for over a month, and authorities have yet to determine the source of the infection or locate the place where it started. According to Health Minister Stefanie Drese, the longer the bacteria strain persists, the harder it is to find samples of contaminated food or recall where and what people ate.
The minister described comparing answers and searching for similarities in attempts to discover the outbreak’s source as “Sisyphian work.”
Epidemiological Data
EHEC infections have been regularly diagnosed, with over 3,440 cases reported in Germany in 2023, and approximately 4,570 cases in 2024. As of the end of August, there have been 3,700 EHEC infections this year.
In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, 78 cases of illness have been reported since August, with 21 confirmed and 57 suspected cases. A total of 89 patients infected with EHEC have been reported across the country.
Previous Outbreaks and Health Implications
In 2011, a large EHEC outbreak required over eight weeks to determine its cause, which was linked to fenugreek seeds from Egypt. The strain of bacteria identified in early September has been described as particularly aggressive and rare in Europe.
In many cases, hospitalization was necessary, including in intensive care units, especially for children.
