LONDON — Cases of E. coli-related illness are
springing up around Europe, particularly in northern Germany, causing 16
deaths so far and infecting more than 1,000 people, according to the
Guardian newspaper.
The bacteria are commonly linked to raw or
undercooked meat or to unwashed vegetables and fruit. Cucumbers imported
into Germany from Spain had initially been blamed for this outbreak,
but new evidence suggested that isn’t the case.
The deaths have been attributed to hemolytic-uremic
syndrome, which can occur after infection with some especially virulent
strains of E. coli. The World Health Organization has warned countries
about the severity of the condition, one of the more dangerous
complications of E. coli poisoning.
Meanwhile, European health and agriculture
authorities are closely monitoring their raw food stocks, the Daily Mail
reported. Extra care is being urged in the handling of raw salads and
fruit, particularly if they are imported. A question-and-answer from the
BBC offers some details.
Of the thousand or more people who have been infected
in Europe, most of their illness can be linked to recent travels to
Germany. Health experts are warning people to watch out for signs of
illness and to consult a doctor immediately if they occur. Classic
symptoms include severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea, sometimes
containing blood.
Imports of Spanish fruits and vegetables have been
banned in several European countries as experts try to locate the source
of the bacteria. They’re attempting to determine whether the bacteria
came from Spain or were picked up on the way to the German marketplace.
Already, the furor has caused rancor among Spanish producers and a huge
loss of income for the Spanish economy.
By Tuesday afternoon, scientists were said to be
focusing on a couple of fruit and vegetable farms in Spain. Meanwhile,
German doctors said they expected fatalities and the number of the
infected to increase.
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