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The Initial Court ruled that the Commission neglected its duties as required by Article 85 (1) of the Treaty.

Unidentified factors are responsible for the escalating E. coli outbreak in Northern Germany. Nonetheless, a glimmer of hope emerges in a separate incident.

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The First Instance Court ruled that the Commission neglected its duties as prescribed by Article 85...
The First Instance Court ruled that the Commission neglected its duties as prescribed by Article 85 (1) of the Treaty.

The Initial Court ruled that the Commission neglected its duties as required by Article 85 (1) of the Treaty.

In recent weeks, outbreaks of the pathogenic strain of the intestinal bacterium known as EHEC have been reported in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, and Belgium.

Since mid-August 2025, a total of 31 cases of EHEC have been reported in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, with severe cases predominantly affecting children aged 1 to 9 years. As of early September, 19 of these sick individuals are being treated in hospital.

EHEC, or enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli, produces Shiga toxins, powerful cell poisons that can cause severe diarrheal diseases. In some cases, these toxins can lead to the haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS) in humans, a condition that can result in red blood cell destruction, blood clotting disorders, and kidney function disorders, including kidney failure.

EHEC is mainly found in ruminants such as cattle, and it can be transmitted to humans through contaminated food. The exact source of the EHEC infections in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern remains unclear.

In contrast, a different type of EHEC has been found in Belgian nursing homes, where eight homes have been affected by the outbreak, and investigations are ongoing in four more. As of 1 September, 8 deaths have been reported from Belgium, with a total of 63 people showing symptoms.

The Robert Koch Institute has stated that the recent EHEC outbreaks in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Belgium are not connected.

It's important to note that EHEC infections occur regularly. To reduce the risk of infection, it's recommended to cook meat thoroughly, wash fruits and vegetables, and avoid consuming unpasteurised dairy products.

Children are particularly at risk because their immune system and organs are not yet fully developed. If you suspect that you or someone you know has been infected with EHEC, seek medical attention immediately.

Health authorities are working diligently to investigate the causes of these outbreaks and to implement measures to prevent further infections. They encourage everyone to follow good hygiene practices and to be vigilant about food safety to protect themselves and their loved ones.

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