The Statens Serum Institut is currently investigating an outbreak with a diarrhea-causing and toxin-producing E. coli bacterium. It began in December and currently includes 13 people with possible common source of infection.
Since December 3, 13 patients related to an outbreak with the diarrhea-causing and shiga toxin-producing E. coli bacterium (STEC) with the serotype O157: H7 have been identified. Of these, identical bacteria have been found in nine patients by whole genome sequencing at the Statens Serum Institut (SSI).
Three children with acute renal failure
Among the patients are three children who have developed haemolytic uraemic syndrome / acute renal failure (HUS), which may be a serious consequence of infection with STEC.
The sick are four men and nine women between the ages of 2 and 90. They come from all regions in the country, except Region North Jutland. The sick have not been traveling and have not participated in joint events in the time leading up to their illness.
Nine patients have been hospitalized in connection with the infection.
A serious outbreak
“It is a serious outbreak, as this type of toxin-producing E. coli can in some cases cause acute renal failure. We are paying particular attention when three children with acute renal failure were reported here in December. Patients with severe diarrhea, especially bloody diarrhea, should seek medical attention to get a correct diagnosis “, says Epidemiologist Luise Müller from SSI. She continues:
“As we do not yet know the source of this outbreak, the best advice we can give is to remember to fry minced meat and rinse fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating it. It is also important to separate raw meat from ready-to-eat food, such as salad, which is not heat-treated before eating. ”
Looking for the source of infection
To find out what may have made the patients ill, interviews are conducted with patients or parents of patients to obtain information on food intake, institutional contact, animal contact and other relevant exposures.
The outbreak is being investigated by SSI in collaboration with the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration and the DTU Food Institute.
Read more
Read more about the outbreak on this outbreak site.
Read more about E. coli infection, among others STEC / VTEC.
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