EHEC outbreak in Berlin: Number of cases increases dramatically to 127!

EHEC outbreak in Berlin: Number of cases increases dramatically to 127!

Berlin. Dramatic increase in EHEC cases: The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) already reports 127 infections until mid-October!

The numbers are alarming! In 2023, the number of cases for the dreaded intestinal disease EHEC rose and far exceeded the values ​​of the past few years. There were only 98 cases throughout 2022, 94 in the pre-Corona year 2019. But now the situation is serious: a sick person has already passed away. The shocking nature of this disease is not only shown in the numbers. In July there was even a bigger outbreak in which 15 people fell ill in a single week! Particularly affected: the Neukölln district with 11 reported infections. What is behind it?

a seminar and its consequences

The cause is likely to be in a seminar that took place in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania at the end of June, in which around 130 people took part. A spokesman for the Senate Department for Health said that the outbreak would probably be seen in connection with this event. Further cases have also appeared in other federal states. In 2011, Germany experienced the largest EHEC outbreak in history with 4,000 sufferers and 53 deaths. Could it be the beginning of a new health crisis?

But what exactly is EHEC? The "Enterohemorrhagische Escherichia coli" should not be underestimated! They produce highly dangerous toxins that can lead to severe diarrhea, abdominal pain and even life-threatening complications such as hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). People often become infected with contaminated foods, especially meat products. The decisive weapon against EHEC is high temperatures when cooking: at least 70 degrees for at least 10 minutes are required to eliminate the pathogens.

While the city and the health authorities are on the hat, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop. We keep you up to date with the latest developments!