Increase in HIV cases reported in the eastern region of the country

In the past week, the number of EHEC infections in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has risen to 22, with five new cases confirmed over the weekend. The infections are currently limited to the districts of Vorpommern-Rügen and Vorpommern-Greifswald.

Two children aged one to 13 and three adults aged 67 to 79 were newly diagnosed with EHEC. Unfortunately, two of the newly diagnosed adults and six of the EHEC-infected children are still suffering from hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening condition that can lead to the destruction of red blood cells, blood clotting disorders, and kidney function disorders.

The source and transmission routes of the frequent EHEC infections in the northeast remain unclear. However, the veterinary and food safety office of the district has taken samples from the food supply and items in the Kavelstorf kindergarten to identify the possible source of infection.

In a positive development, some children who were hospitalized due to their symptoms in the Kavelstorf daycare center have since been discharged and are symptom-free. The district of Rostock gave the all-clear for toddlers from the daycare center after eleven children complained of vomiting and diarrhea on Friday.

It's important to note that EHEC refers to certain pathogenic strains of the intestinal bacterium Escherichia coli. These strains are common in farm animals and produce Shiga toxins, powerful cell poisons that can cause severe diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and HUS in humans.

Children are particularly at risk due to their underdeveloped immune system and organs. Bacteria other than EHEC were also detected in stool samples from the sick children in the Kavelstorf daycare center, suggesting a broader issue with bacterial infections.

The last new diagnosed EHEC cases outside the districts of Vorpommern-Rügen and Vorpommern-Greifswald were not reported after September 1, 2025, with no new infections with onset after this date being recorded related to the current outbreak.

Health authorities are urging caution and vigilance, especially among parents and caregivers of young children. Symptoms of EHEC infections include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and fever. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, it's essential to seek medical attention immediately.

The health department is working closely with local authorities and scientists to investigate the outbreak and prevent further infections. More information will be provided as it becomes available.