EHEC

EHEC

EHEC means enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli . These bacteria are found in the intestines of ruminants such as cattle, sheep, goats, deer and stags. They can produce certain toxins called shigatoxins. As a rule, the animals do not fall ill from them. However, if such germs are transmitted to humans, they can cause diarrhoeal diseases with sometimes serious complications.


  • How does infection/transmission occur?

    From animal to human

    The bacteria are excreted in the faeces of infected animals. Since EHEC are relatively insensitive, they can survive in the environment for weeks. They are highly contagious, as even a small amount of the germ is sufficient for transmission. The fur of cattle and other ruminants can be contaminated with faecal traces. Touching and stroking the animals can get the bacteria on the hands and from there into the mouth. Playing on meadows where ruminants are kept also poses a risk of infection for children.

    Via food
    Transmission to humans can also occur through food eaten raw or insufficiently heated.

    From person to person
    People infected with EHEC excrete the pathogens in their stool. Infection from person to person is possible via smear infection.

    Via contaminated objects
    If hand hygiene is poor, the bacteria can also adhere to objects that have been touched and be spread indirectly from there.

    Via contaminated water
    The pathogens can also enter the human gastrointestinal tract when bathing in water that is contaminated with faeces. There is no danger in swimming pools, as EHEC is reliably killed by chlorine.

  • What are the symptoms of the disease?

    The predominant signs of the disease are watery diarrhoea. Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, rarely fever, may also occur. A severe form of the disease can develop into bloody diarrhoea with cramping abdominal pain and sometimes fever. A feared complication, which occurs mainly in children, is haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS).

  • When does the disease break out and how long is one contagious?

    The disease usually breaks out three to four days, sometimes up to ten days after infection. However, an infection can also run its course without signs of illness. Even if the symptoms have already subsided, the pathogens can be excreted in the stool for several days to several weeks, often longer in children than in adults. As long as pathogens are excreted, there is a risk of infection for other people, especially for contacts in the family and in communal facilities.

  • What do I have to do if I fall ill?

    • In case of severe diarrhoea or bloody stools, you should consult a doctor.
    • If you have diarrhoea, it is important to drink a lot.
    • Treatment with antibiotics is not useful
    • Sufferers should be physically separated at an early stage and use their own toilet if possible
    • Do not prepare meals for others if you are ill yourself
    • Wash your laundry at 60°C
    • If you are professionally involved with food and are contagious, you must not work temporarily.
    • Furthermore, people with the disease are not allowed to pray in community facilities such as schools or kindergartens.

    The responsible health authority decides when the activity can be resumed or when community facilities can be visited again.