It is difficult to predict the long-term effects of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection on children’s overall health, said Dr. Gunta Laizāne, Chief Infectious Disease Specialist at the Children’s Clinical University Hospital (CCUH) Pediatric Disease Clinic.
Laizāne noted that the impact of the infection on a child’s general health depends on many factors, as every individual—children and adults alike—has a certain organ capacity from birth.
“It’s hard to predict how much damage the toxin has done or whether it has triggered any underlying dormant conditions,” the specialist explained.
She further clarified that there are different severity levels of E. coli-induced infections, and treatment options depend on the capabilities and resources of each hospital unit. Even children with very severe cases are treated across different departments. When the resources of specialized wards are exhausted, children are transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU), and in some cases, to resuscitation units.
According to Laizāne, children with E. coli infection and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) are admitted to the ICU when complications arise that cannot be managed in standard care wards. These include the need for kidney replacement therapy, neurological complications caused by HUS, or surgical interventions.
Once the critical issues are resolved, diagnoses clarified, and prognoses established, children are transferred back to general care units, she added.
Some of the children return with kidney replacement therapy using peritoneal dialysis equipment, while others no longer require it. The doctor emphasized that although their condition remains serious, it is not as critical as when they were in intensive care.
Currently, three children remain in intensive care, and the overall number of hospitalized cases is gradually decreasing, although CCUH has not yet provided precise figures. Laizāne confirmed that all hospitalized children are in stable condition and continue to receive appropriate treatment and monitoring.
The progression of the disease differs for each child, she said. In cases of HUS, kidney damage may occur, hemoglobin levels may drop—necessitating blood transfusions—and low platelet levels can lead to internal bleeding. These patients require complex treatment approaches and careful management.
Laizāne emphasized that CCUH is handling the treatment of affected children well, dedicating all available resources to their care.
As previously reported, the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDPC) on Tuesday launched an epidemiological investigation into three additional cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection, according to the CDPC website. The newly reported cases involve two adults and one teenager aged 15–18. All are receiving outpatient care. CDPC noted that it is currently unclear whether these cases are linked to the ongoing outbreak, and further lab testing is necessary.
So far, at least 60 cases of E. coli infection have been registered in total.
The Food and Veterinary Service (FVS) has found no traces of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli in 140 food product samples and 19 surface swabs from environmental sites and staff hands. Additionally, 84 swab samples tested for hygiene criteria were all found to be compliant, said Svetlana Aļminoviča-Miļjanoviča, Senior Expert at the FVS Food Distribution Surveillance Division.
The CDPC also stated on Monday that analysis of the infection’s spread shows no indication of transmission among close contacts.
The agency explained that all humans and animals naturally carry Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria in their intestines. These are normally harmless and part of the natural gut flora. However, some E. coli strains can produce toxins and cause serious illness.
These particular strains are referred to as STEC or VTEC (Shiga toxin- or verotoxin-producing E. coli). They can cause severe, bloody diarrhea and, in some cases, lead to acute kidney failure requiring intensive care.
The main reservoir for these strains is herbivorous animals, especially cattle. The pathogen is shed in the feces of infected animals or humans. Infection can occur through the consumption of contaminated food—especially undercooked beef, unpasteurized milk, and unwashed fruits or vegetables—as well as via direct person-to-person transmission.
The CDPC reminds the public to thoroughly cook food, wash fruits and vegetables under running water—especially those that will not be cooked—and to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms like abdominal cramps or bloody diarrhea appear.