Outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli in Germany
Epidemiological update, 1 June 2011, 11:00
On 22 May, Germany reported a significant increase in the number of patients with haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and bloody diarrhoea caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).
Since 2 May 2011, 401 cases of HUS have been reported from European Union Member States, including 373 cases in Germany. See table below.
While HUS, caused by STEC infections, is usually observed in children under 5 years of age, in this outbreak the great majority of cases are adults, with more than two thirds being women. Seven of the HUS cases have died. Preliminary diagnostic investigations indicate that serogroup O104 (Stx2-positve, eae-negative) might be the causative agent.
The source of the outbreak is under investigation, but contaminated food seems the most likely vehicle of infection. There is currently no indication that raw milk or meat is associated with the outbreak.
Most cases are from, or have a history of travel to the North of Germany (mainly Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, North-Rhine-Westfalia and Hamburg). Within the EU, Sweden, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Denmark and Spain have reported cases of HUS, related to the ongoing outbreak.
Number of HUS cases and associated deaths per EU Member States as of 1 June 2011, 11:00
|
Countries reporting cases |
|
Denmark |
7 |
0 |
|
Germany |
373 |
6 |
|
Sweden |
15 |
1 |
|
The Netherlands |
3 |
0 |
|
The United Kingdom |
2 |
0 |
| Spain |
1 |
0 |
Based on the available information, cases are associated with an exposure in Germany (mainly northern parts). The vehicle of the outbreak has not yet been identified and intensive investigations are ongoing. The results of these investigations will determine the assessment of this risk. Rapid identification of potential cases linked to this outbreak, within Germany or among persons who have travelled to Germany since the beginning of May, is essential to prevent the development of severe disease.
STEC is a group of pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains capable of producing Shiga toxins, with the potential to cause severe enteric and systemic disease in humans.
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Escherichia coli (E.coli) health topic site: See ECDC risk assessment, list of all epidemiological updates, disease information