New outbreak of rare E.coli bacteria in France

Health authorities in France have reported a new outbreak of the rare strain of E.coli that caused 40 deaths and more than 3,000 infections in northern Germany. To date, 10 cases of infection with this strain have been reported in Bordeaux. Seven are hospitalized. All reported consuming sprouts. Investigations are underway to determine the source of this strain of bacteria. There are suggestions that this strain has contaminated seeds that are the source of the sprouts. At this time, there does not appear to be a direct link back to the northern Germany epidemic.

At this time, travellers to anywhere in Europe may wish to avoid consuming vegetable sprouts from any source until authorities can determine how this unusual strain of E.coli bacteria is contaminating the sprouts.