Urgent crisis consultations are underway in Berlin today to address the ongoing outbreak of the intestinal bacterium EHEC.
The EHEC bacterium has claimed ten lives in Germany so far. Key stakeholders—including the Federal Government, state authorities, and experts from health and agriculture sectors—are participating in this crisis meeting.
Contamination
In Germany, over 1,000 people have likely fallen ill with an exceptionally aggressive variant of the EHEC bacterium. Infections have also surfaced in neighboring countries like the Netherlands, with nearly all patients having recently visited Germany.
Denmark and Sweden
Denmark and Sweden have reported almost 40 infections. Authorities there confirmed last Sunday that all affected individuals had traveled to Germany prior to falling ill. Both nations have advised caution, particularly with food, for travelers to Germany.
Avoid Raw Produce
German authorities are working to pinpoint the contamination source, with strong suspicions pointing to imported cucumbers, though this remains unconfirmed.
Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner recommends avoiding raw vegetables like lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes until the origin of the EHEC bacteria is identified.
Stay informed with updates on the EHEC outbreak at Sante.nl.
