Bavaria has documented 365 instances of EHEC cases to date.

In Bavaria, a total of 365 instances of Escherichia coli (EHEC) have been reported as of present day. - Three hundred and sixty-five weddings taking place in Bavaria during the current year

Germany Witnesses Increase in EHEC Cases, Particularly in Bavaria

Germany is currently experiencing an unusual surge in cases of Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), a pathogenic strain of intestinal bacterium mainly found in ruminants like cattle. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the organization responsible for monitoring the EHEC situation in Germany, has reported an accumulation of EHEC cases in Bavaria and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

As of 27 August 2025, approximately 3,660 EHEC illnesses have been recorded nationwide this year, according to data from the RKI. The region that has registered the most EHEC cases since the beginning of the year is Bavaria, with 365 cases as of mid-August 2025. This number is significantly higher than the total for the entire year of 2024. In comparison, Berlin follows closely with 168 infections, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern with 43 cases, and Hamburg with 113 infections this year.

The increase in EHEC cases in Bavaria has been a gradual trend since 2020, with 186 cases in 2020, 208 in 2021, 214 in 2022, and 248 in 2023. However, no specific cause for this increase has been identified in the provided article.

The Ministry of Health in Munich is the source for the EHEC case figures in Bavaria. Meanwhile, the State Office for Health and Social Affairs in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is the local health authority in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where an accumulation of EHEC cases has also been reported. EHEC cases have been recorded in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, with one person from Bavaria currently affected.

EHEC produces strong cell toxins that can cause severe diarrhea in humans and the hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a complication that can lead to kidney failure. Children are particularly at risk from EHEC due to their underdeveloped immune system and organs.

In 2023, more than 3,440 EHEC illnesses were recorded nationwide, according to data from the RKI. This number rose to around 4,570 EHEC illnesses in 2024, and is currently at approximately 3,660 in 2025. Despite the rise in cases in certain regions, the RKI does not see any indications of an accumulation of EHEC cases in other regions of Germany, but the situation is being monitored closely.

The BMG (Federal Ministry of Health) is the German government department responsible for health and social affairs. The RKI is working closely with the BMG to investigate the causes of the increase in EHEC cases and to implement appropriate measures to control the spread of the infection.

It is important to note that EHEC can be transmitted to humans through contaminated food. The public is advised to cook meat thoroughly, wash fruits and vegetables, and avoid consuming unpasteurised milk or dairy products to reduce the risk of EHEC infection.

The rise in EHEC cases in Germany is a cause for concern, but the RKI and the BMG are working diligently to control the situation. The public is encouraged to stay informed and follow the advice of health authorities to protect themselves and their families from EHEC infection.