Food borne intoxication epidemic in Germany (update)

Due to delays in reporting of cases, new cases of the rare strain of E.coli bacteria continue to be registered, albeit in smaller numbers. The total number of cases has reached 3,901 people with 838 suffering the complication called haemolytic uremi syndrome that can lead to kidney failure. There have been 48 deaths to date.

In the town of Altenbeken in western Germany, authorities closed a primary school after a number of students became ill with this bacteria. Authorities have speculated that poor hygienic practices contributed to these cases.