Deadly Intestinal Disease EHEC is Back in Berlin
What is EHEC?
EHEC (Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli) is a bacterial infection that can cause severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. In severe cases, EHEC can lead to kidney failure, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and even death. EHEC is primarily transmitted through contaminated food or water, and person-to-person contact.
EHEC Outbreak in Berlin
In June 2022, an outbreak of EHEC occurred in Berlin, Germany. The outbreak was traced back to contaminated leafy greens served at a local restaurant. Over 100 people became ill, and two people sadly died.
Symptoms of EHEC
Symptoms of EHEC typically develop within 3-4 days after exposure to the bacteria. Common symptoms include:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
Treatment for EHEC
There is no specific treatment for EHEC. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. This may include:
- Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration
- Antibiotics to kill the bacteria
- Dialysis for kidney failure
Prevention of EHEC
The best way to prevent EHEC is to follow safe food handling practices, including:
- Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food
- Cooking meat to a safe internal temperature
- Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them
- Avoiding unpasteurized milk and cheese
- Getting vaccinated against EHEC (only available in certain countries)
Conclusion
EHEC is a serious bacterial infection that can cause life-threatening complications. The recent outbreak in Berlin highlights the importance of following safe food handling practices to prevent infection. If you experience symptoms of EHEC, seek medical attention promptly.
