Bacterial food borne intoxication due to E.coli continues to expand in Germany

The largest outbreak of severe bacterial food borne intoxication (food poisoning) in Europe in some time continues to expand. German health authorities have identified 60 more cases, bringing the total to 276 cases, located mostly in northern Germany. Laboratory testing is being conducted on another 500 suspected cases. There have been 7 known deaths. Sweden has reported 25 cases, Denmark 7, Britain 3, Austria 2, and the Netherlands 1. Presumably many if not all the cases reported outside Germany had traveled in northern Germany. Contaminated cucumbers originating in Spain appear to be the source of the infections.

Travellers to northern Germany should refrain from consuming cucumbers for the time being. Since cucumbers may come in contact with tomatoes and leafy green vegetables, for example, with lettuce in salads, these foods should be avoided as well.