Hamburger products linked to E. coli (EHEC) outbreak in Norway

Norway

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, the Veterinary Institute, and relevant municipal chief medical officers continue investigating a national outbreak of the gastrointestinal bacterium, Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) likely linked to Hamburger products. The hamburgers under suspicion remain a source of concern due to their potential to harbor the pathogen, even through freezing cycles.

The current outbreak appears to be one of Norway's largest E. coli outbreaks, involving the gastrointestinal bacterium EHEC. As of September 09, 2023, 15 people were infected in the outbreak. They became ill in July and August 2023 and all were infected in Norway: Trøndelag (8), Viken (4), Vestfold and Telemark (2) and Nordland (1). 5 of them have developed the serious complication HUS. The infection has now been detected in 17 people.

Suspicion of hamburgers has been strengthened after new patient interviews and extensive tracing work in the food chain. Preliminary analyzes of two packages of hamburgers from different patients have helped to strengthen the suspicion against hamburgers.

These bacteria are not eradicated by freezing food products, prompting an emphasis on thorough cooking of all meat dishes, particularly hamburgers and other minced meat products.

EHEC bacteria can cause an array of symptoms, from no clear signs to immediate, severe cases involving bloody diarrhea. At its worst, EHEC infection can result in the progression to haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), potentially leading to acute kidney failure. These harmful effects are most likely to occur in children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

In case you are experiencing E. coli symptoms such as watery diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting; stomach cramps; and mild fever, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Source: www.fhi.no/nyheter/2023/gjennomstek-hamburgeren--ogsa-de-fryste/