Twelve E. coli cases under investigation in Latvia

Latvian public health officials have reported 12 recent E. coli infections with mostly children sick.

The Center for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC) said it is conducting an epidemiological investigation because of the registered cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) to determine the sources of infection.

Since March 19, the SPKC has received 12 urgent notifications of laboratory-confirmed cases.

Ten children aged 3 to 6 and two adults have fallen ill. All patients but one have needed hospital treatment. Cases of illness were detected in Riga, Salaspils, Ādaži, Siguldas, and Dienvidkurzeme.

There has been one case of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is a rare but severe complication associated with E. coli infections that causes kidney failure and sometimes death.

Epidemiologists at SPKC are conducting surveys of patients and parents of children as well as contacting preschool educational institutions. The Latvian Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) has also been informed.

Information from initial investigations indicates that cases are not connected and the spread of infection is not linked to one specific source.

Laboratory testing is being organized to determine the implicated serogroups.

In 2023, 37 cases of STEC infection were registered in Latvia and in 2024 there were 42 infections. So far this year, 18 cases have been reported. On average, four to five cases are recorded per month.

SPKC recommended several steps people can take to help avoid infections such as anyone with diarrhea or vomiting should not handle food, meat should be sufficiently cooked, washing vegetables, and avoiding cross contamination.

About E. coli
Food contaminated with E. coli may not look, smell or taste bad. Anyone who has developed symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about their possible food poisoning. Specific tests are required to diagnose the infections, which can mimic other illnesses.

The symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. Others can develop severe or life-threatening symptoms and complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

About 5 percent to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening kidney failure complication, known as a hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, decreased frequency of urination, small unexplained bruises or bleeding, and pallor. 

Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injuries or death. This condition can occur among people of any age but is most common in children younger than five years old because of their immature immune systems, older adults because of deteriorating immune systems, and people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients. 

People who experience HUS symptoms should immediately seek emergency medical care. People with HUS will likely be hospitalized because the condition can cause other serious and ongoing problems such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurologic problems.

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