Do not panic about EHEC germs

German Medical Association warns of EHEC alarmist: Everyone can protect themselves from EHEC

30/05/2011

The EHEC infection wave continues to cause uncertainty. While initial laboratory tests identified a burden on Spanish cucumbers as a potential source of EHEC infection and already a new treatment method at the Hannover Medical School is being tested, the German Medical Association warns urgently against the general scare tactics. Because every person can easily protect themselves against infection with just a few precautions such as regular and proper hand washing.

Everyone can protect themselves from EHEC, „By adhering strictly to the recommendations of the Robert Koch Institute, often washing his hands and temporarily dispensing with certain vegetables“, said Frank-Ulrich Montgomery, Vice President of the German Medical Association, to the „Passauer New Press“. According to the doctor „it is indeed a potentially life-threatening pathogen“, Montgomery, however, warned explicitly „from alarmism“. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI), however, maintains the warning of raw vegetables from tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce. The president of the RKI Reinhard Burger said in an interview with the „Bavarian Radio“: „We continue to warn against eating raw vegetables in northern Germany“.

Avoid EHEC through recommendations of the RKI
The German Medical Association considers the current warnings about EHEC infections apparently at least partially exaggerated. On the one hand, the Vice President of the German Medical Association emphasized the life-threatening consequences that an EHEC infection may have. But on the other hand, Montgomery pointed out that consumers by acting strictly according to the recommendations of the Robert Koch Institute (for example, often wash their hands, waiving certain vegetables), can protect against EHEC infection relatively well. Overall, the Vice President of the German Medical Association assessed the risk of further spread of EHEC infections as manageable and therefore warned against „panicmongering“.

Incubation period of one week for EHEC infections
Since the experts of the RKI and the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) assume that other sources of infection exist alongside the previously discovered Spanish cucumbers, the authorities could not yet give the all-clear. However, the current increase in EHEC infections is not a compelling indication of a further spread of the pathogens, as the incubation period is about one week, according to the RKI president. That is, the majority of patients in treatment were already infected when health warnings and media coverage started. The effect of previous efforts to reduce EHEC infection will be evident later this week, according to the RKI president.

In case of EHEC symptoms urgently consult a doctor
The warnings of the German Medical Association before „panicmongering“ However, in connection with the EHEC infections should not be misunderstood as a possible trivialization of life-threatening disease. For although the current media coverage certainly seems a bit exaggerated, the health consequences of an EHEC infection are by no means to be underestimated and when the first EHEC symptoms occur urgently seek medical attention. This is also the view of the German Medical Association, because those affected are threatened by the potentially fatal hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure and anemia.

Blanket warnings about raw food are not very helpful
The EHEC-related bloody diarrheal diseases are therefore a serious threat to health, which should be addressed promptly. But the current widespread warnings against raw vegetables, the problem situation in the opinion of the German Medical Association do not do justice. Even nutritionists warn that with the general abandonment of raw food, the model of a balanced diet is seriously endangered. In addition, people who have always been eating unhealthily and have refused fresh vegetables are encouraged by the current coverage. In the long term, the unhealthy diet also threatens significant health problems. (Fp)

Also read:
EHEC: No raw fruits and vegetables for pregnant women
EHEC Causes: The pathogen on the trail
Symptoms of EHEC infection
First deaths from EHEC infections
No antibiotic in EHEC
Enigmatic infections caused by EHEC pathogens
Doctors are testing new therapy for EHEC infection

Picture: Gerd Altmann / dauni