![](https://www.plusonline.nl/sites/plusonline/files/styles/pol_carousel/public/istock-174776828.jpg?itok=Mf_LN1ZE)
Seniors extra susceptible
Some people are more likely to be infected with a mutated gut bacteria like EHEC than others. Who is at risk?
The Netherlands has about sixty registered persons in a normal year EHEC infections. Although annoying, contamination is not very rare. During the EHEC epidemic in 2011, it concerned a mutated variant of EHEC, which resistant is resistant to most types of antibiotics.
Less resistance
Should a new epidemic break out, who would be most at risk? The RIVM indicates that the ‘weakest’ in society are particularly at risk. Small children, seniors and people with a reduced resistance therefore have a greater chance of being infected with the EHEC bacteria.
Risk groups:
– Children under five years
– Elderly over sixty
– People who do not apply good hygiene rules to themselves
– People who work in care or with small children
– People who work on a (children’s) farm
You run additional risk:
– If you come into contact with infected livestock or their manure
– If you eat beef that is undercooked
– When using raw milk products
– When drinking unpasteurized milk
– By eating raw, unwashed vegetables
Sources):