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 infect.