Germany Investigates Large E. coli Outbreak Affecting More Than 120 People

Germany

Update November 13th, 2025:
Health authorities in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania have issued their final additional situation report for the EHEC/HUS outbreak. Officials state that the outbreak has slowed significantly and continues to decline, with no new cases linked to the event since late September. A total of 164 EHEC infections and 19 HUS cases have been recorded in the region in connection with this outbreak.

The last confirmed EHEC case in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania was reported on September 30, 2025, and the last outbreak-related HUS case became symptomatic on September 22, 2025. Authorities will now provide updated case numbers only if a significant increase occurs, though routine weekly reporting of EHEC and HUS infections continues.

Updated outbreak totals (Germany, as of Nov 12, 2025):
- 417 EHEC cases (197 confirmed)
- 164 with exposure in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (83 confirmed)
- Children: 65 cases
- Adults: 18 cases
- Suspected cases: 81
- HUS cases: 61 total (51 confirmed), including 19 linked to exposure in MV

Source: www.lagus.mv-regierung.de/Services/Aktuelles/


Update October 22nd, 2025:
Health authorities in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania reported that the number of E. coli (EHEC) cases has risen to 351, including 56 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Of these, 151 cases are linked to exposure within the region, with 80 children and 65 adults affected.

Source: www.lagus.mv-regierung.de/Services/Aktuelles/


Update October 2nd, 2025:
Health authorities in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania have reported no new E. coli (EHEC) cases since the previous day. Laboratory testing has now confirmed 13 previously suspected cases, bringing the total to 255 cases, including 44 with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

Of these, 137 cases are linked to exposure within Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, with 38 confirmed. Among all patients, 126 are children and 19 are adults.

The Robert Koch Institute and LAGuS continue to monitor the outbreak, noting that other EHEC infections involving different strains are not considered part of this incident.

Source: www.lagus.mv-regierung.de/Services/Aktuelles/


September 18th, 2025:
German officials are currently addressing a significant E. coli outbreak, potentially linked to more than 120 illnesses. The outbreak involves the E. coli O45:H2 strain, with 67 confirmed cases and 20 individuals developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe condition that can lead to kidney failure. The outbreak is primarily affecting children in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

The Mekcklenburg-Vorpommern State Office for Health and Social Affairs (LAGuS) and the State Office for Agriculture, Food Safety and Fisheries (LALLF) initiated an investigation in August after identifying a cluster of E. coli infections. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has been involved since late August. Initial reports indicated five cases of E. coli or HUS in children in the Vorpommern-Rügen district, primarily affecting vacationers. The National Reference Center (NRZ) confirmed the outbreak strain as E. coli O45:H2. The median age of confirmed cases is 5 years, with a range from under 1 to 92 years old.

The outbreak was discovered through routine monitoring and reporting by state health authorities. The RKI is conducting interviews with patients and their families to identify potential sources of infection. Although

Source: www.lagus.mv-regierung.de/Services/Aktuelles/