The German authorities have reported 47 further cases of Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS) today, bringing the total number of cases to 689. In addition, 276 more cases of bloody diarrhoea (VTEC or EHEC infection, caused by E. coli O104) have been reported, bringing the total to 1,959. 25 people are now reported to have died – 19 with HUS (18 in Germany, one in Sweden) and six with bloody diarrhoea (all in Germany).
One new case of bloody diarrhoea has been reported to the HPA today. One case of bloody diarrhoea previously linked to the outbreak has subsequently tested positive for Salmonella infection and been eliminated from this outbreak. Therefore the total number of confirmed cases linked to the outbreak in England remains 12 – three HUS and nine bloody diarrhoea. To date, five of these have been microbiologically confirmed. All 12 cases are related to recent travel to Germany.
As investigations into the cause of the outbreak continue, the public health advice from the HPA remains the same – travellers to Germany should to follow the advice of the German authorities and avoid eating raw tomatoes, cucumbers and leafy salad including lettuce, especially in the north of the country, until further notice. In addition anyone returning from Germany with illness including bloody diarrhoea should seek urgent medical attention and make sure they mention their recent travel history.
For more information about the situation in Germany, visit the Robert Koch Institute’s website here.
Previous updates available here.
Source: Health Protection Agency
