The Court of First Instance determined that the Commission neglected its duties as specified under Article 85 (1) of the Treaty.

In northern Germany, the mysterious rise in E. coli cases continues, yet there's a seemingly reassuring development.

, and Administrator

2025 September 12 . 11:33 AM

2 min read

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

The Court of First Instance determined that the Commission neglected its duties as specified under Article 85 (1) of the Treaty.

In recent times, there have been outbreaks of a particular strain of EHEC, or enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli, in nursing homes across Belgium and the German region of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

This bacterium, mainly found in ruminants such as cattle, produces Shiga toxins - powerful cell poisons that can cause severe diarrheal diseases. These toxins can also lead to the haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS) in humans, a condition that can result in kidney failure.

In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, 27 people have fallen ill with EHEC since mid-August, with 21 of them being children and adolescents. Nine of the affected individuals developed HUS, a condition that can lead to red blood cell destruction, blood clotting disorders, and kidney function disorders. As of September 2nd, 16 of the sick are currently being treated in hospital.

The animal species suspected as the source of the current EHEC infections in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is not yet definitively identified, with both animal contacts and food under suspicion, according to health authorities.

In Belgium, 8 deaths have been reported with a total of 63 people showing symptoms (as of September 1st). Eight homes are affected by the EHEC outbreak, and investigations are still ongoing in four others.

Despite the outbreaks in both regions, 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. The cause of the EHEC infections in both regions remains unclear at this time. EHEC can be transmitted to humans through contaminated food.

For those affected, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Children, due to their underdeveloped immune system and organs, are particularly at risk.

As the investigations continue, health authorities will provide updates on the sources and causes of the outbreaks, and steps to prevent further infections will be taken.