An ongoing outbreak of foodborne enterohemorrhagicEscherichia coli (EHEC) O45:H2 infections is sweeping Germany, marking the most significant EHEC outbreak the country has seen since 2011. As of October 22, 2025, German public health authorities have confirmed 183 outbreak cases, resulting in 48 instances of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and three deaths (two confirmed and one probable). The total case count, including probable and possible cases, stands at 351.
The source of the outbreak is not yet confirmed, but epidemiological interviews suggest foodborne transmission, likely via contaminated meat or sausage products—although plant-based foods have not been ruled out.