In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, there has been a significant increase in infections with enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) bacteria since mid-August 2025, which authorities have classified as an outbreak. By September 12, 2025, a total of 59 cases had been registered in this federal state, with the affected bacterial strain O45:H2 demonstrably responsible for at least 21 illnesses. Particularly alarming is the high proportion of severe cases: about one-fifth of those affected developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a complication that can lead to kidney failure and neurological disorders. Among the sick are predominantly children aged one to nine years, several of whom required hospitalization, some in intensive care units.
The outbreak initially began in the eastern districts of Vorpommern-Rügen and Vorpommern-Greifswald, but has since spread to the western regions of the state. A total of eleven children and three adults are infected with this specific strain, with eight cases occurring locally in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and six originating from neighboring federal states. No new infections with this strain have been reported since September 1, 2025, which may indicate a possible containment. Nevertheless, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (LAGuS) continue to monitor the situation closely, as EHEC infections occur sporadically throughout the year and the transition to other strains could be fluid.
Nationwide, the numbers are also concerning. The RKI reports approximately 3,660 EHEC cases in Germany by the end of August 2025, which already exceeds the entire previous year. In Hamburg alone, 113 infections have been detected this year, compared to 91 in 2024, and 18 affected individuals required hospitalization. Isolated cases have also appeared in Berlin and Brandenburg, including several children who are believed to have been infected in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. In total, 69 infections related to the outbreak in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania have been recorded since mid-August. However, the RKI emphasizes that there is no nationwide cluster and the increase is partly due to improved laboratory diagnostics, such as systematic PCR tests since September 2023.
The cause of the outbreak remains unclear, which complicates the situation. Authorities and laboratories in Rostock, Wernigerode, and Münster are feverishly investigating possible sources. Contaminated foods such as raw milk products, minced meat, raw sausage, or insufficiently washed fruits and vegetables, which could be contaminated by animal dung or polluted water, are primarily suspected. A possible connection to a recall of Thuringian raw minced sausage is being investigated, as EHEC bacteria were discovered in one batch, but so far there is no clear evidence of a link. Transmission from person to person through contact infections, especially in childcare facilities, is also considered a risk factor. The incubation period is an average of three to four days, but can last up to ten days, which complicates traceability.
Authorities have tightened preventive measures. The Ministry of Education in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has sent recommendations to daycare centers and schools before the start of the year, emphasizing strict hygiene: regular hand washing, thorough peeling or washing of vegetables, and separate handling of raw foods. In a special session of the state parliament, a detailed situation report was requested to improve coordination between health authorities, veterinarians, and food inspectors. Nationwide, supermarkets are recalling products such as salami to rule out potential risks. Experts recall the major EHEC outbreak of 2011, in which around 3,800 people fell ill and over 50 died, mainly from contaminated sprouts. At that time, it took weeks to identify the source, underscoring the need for faster response chains.
Despite the stabilizing trend in recent days, the situation remains tense. Children under five years of age are particularly at risk, as HUS often leads to temporary dialysis in them. The RKI and the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) advise increased caution in food preparation: raw meat and dairy products should be heated to at least 70 degrees Celsius, and contact with animals in agriculture should be accompanied by hygiene measures. The mandatory reporting of EHEC infections ensures better monitoring, but the unclear source carries the risk of further cases. Public campaigns aim to raise public awareness without inciting panic, as most infections are mild. The continuation of investigations is crucial to prevent a nationwide escalation scenario.
