Europe - 19 dead, 2000+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

[tetano]

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Deadly E. coli mixes common toxin with rare "glue"


(Reuters) - Scientists probing the deadly E. coli strain in Europe are finding the bacteria combines a highly poisonous but common toxin with a rarely seen "glue" that binds it to a patient's intestines.

It may take months for the global team of researchers to fully understand the characteristics of the bacteria that has killed at least 17 people in Europe and sickened 1,500. But they fear this E. coli strain is the most toxic yet to hit a human population.

Most Escherichia coli, or E. coli, bacteria are harmless. The strain that is sickening people in Germany and other parts of Europe, known as 0104:H4, is part of a class of bacteria known as Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, or STEC.

This class has the ability to stick to intestinal walls where it pumps out toxins, causing diarrhea and vomiting. In severe cases, it causes hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, attacking the kidneys and causing coma, seizure and stroke.

"Germany is now reporting 470 cases of HUS. That is absolutely extraordinary," Dr. Robert Tauxe, a foodborne diseases expert at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told Reuters. The CDC has been working with German health authorities on the case since late last week.

"That is 10 times more than the largest outbreak in this country," he said, referring to a 1993 outbreak involving fast-food hamburgers that sickened more than 700 people and killed four. In that outbreak, there were 44 cases of HUS.

Asked if this was the world's deadliest E. coli outbreak yet, Tauxe said: "I believe it is."

He said a strain very similar to the German strain had been seen in Korea in the 1990s, but is very rare.

Remarkably, the German strain appears to combine the toxin found in the most common type of STEC bacteria in the United States, known as E. coli O157:H7, with an unusual binding agent. Tauxe said that "glue" is typically only found in children in the developing world.

"The glue that this bug is using is not the same glue that is E. coli 0157 or most other STEC bacteria," he said. "It's this combination from the glue from another kind of E. coli and the shiga toxin that makes this an unusual strain," he said.

The U.N. World Health Organization has confirmed that the strain "has never been isolated from patients before," and said the bacteria had likely acquired some extra genes that may make it especially deadly.


...

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/03/us-ecoli-idUSTRE7511UX20110603

 

[tetano]

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Secondary infection
Infection of person to person?

For a long time above all cucumbers stood under suspicion. Now even experts hold an increasing infection with EHEC of person to person for possible. The danger lies in the long week-end.
If people get an infection, for instance, about food with a germ as in this case for EHEC supposes, one speaks of a primary infection. If the infected also stick on her people by lacking hygiene, one calls this infection secondary infection. Doctors held this transference way up to now for EHEC as rather unlikely.
Indeed, very much a small quantity is sufficient to the infection in bacteria. Already 100 can release the symptoms – to the comparison: For a Salmonellenvergiftung it needs 100,000 bacteria. Indeed, a few seemed to have been infected up to now only very much so. This could do itself possibly after this, for a lot of long week-end change, experts warn, and appeal for reinforced care and hygiene.

Since they suppose that there could be once again more infected after the week-end which many families spend as a long week-end with bridge day with each other. „ I think, still an other wave could come – but this is natural only one surmise. Now the extended week-end is waiting, stands there to fear that some people are infected in her members of the family – then under it more children could also be “, says Stefan Schreiber of the university clinic Schleswig - Holstein, campus Kiel, towards FOCUS On-line. The best protection is a regular hand washing of all toilet users.


..

http://www.focus.de/gesundheit/ratg...steckung-von-mensch-zu-mensch_aid_633617.html

 

[tetano]

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Two new cases of EHEC in Saxony

Enough blood available - DRC still calls for donations
Dresden. In Saxony there are two new cases of EHEC. Since 9 May be a total of 17 people in the state on the intestinal infection demonstrably ill, a Health Ministry spokesman said on Friday DAPD inquiry in Dresden. Since the beginning of 48 EHEC disease were counted. Last year there were a total of 70 cases. None of them was fatal.

So far, in Saxony, a case of hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) has occurred. A 60-year-old was the beginning of last week, was admitted with bloody diarrhea and overall weakness in the clinic. The HUS, caused by the toxins of EHEC pathogens can lead to anemia and kidney failure and end at worst fatal.


Despite the nationwide rising number of HUS patients reported the blood transfusion service of the German Red Cross East (DRC) is still no shortage. 'We work nationally with all Red Cross blood donation services and still have sufficient reserves, "said the spokeswoman for the Red Cross blood donation center in Berlin, Brandenburg and Saxony, Kerstin Schweiger, DAPD on request.

Nevertheless, Schweiger said in view of the rapidly rising disease rates and the upcoming holidays as a precaution to Pentecost on, now scheduled blood donation exercise. 'We need the Red Cross East Area 1500 blood donations per day to ensure adequate patient care, "she said. Since the DRC on Whit Monday would offer no donation dates, there was this Saturday (June 11) the opportunity to donate blood. Informed about the exact dates the website
blood donation and the ost.de 0800 1194 911th
Nationwide, 17 deaths with the EHEC-intestinal germ be linked. Whether one was infected in Baden-W?rttemberg HUS in a woman's disease who died with the EHEC pathogens, is being investigated. (DAPD)


http://www.freiepresse.de/NACHRICHTEN/TOP-THEMA/Zwei-neue-EHEC-Faelle-in-Sachsen-artikel7673071.php

 

[tetano]

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Two EHEC infections in Tirol

In the Tyrol on Thursday, two EHEC cases have become known. Affected are a boy from the lowlands and a German woman who was on holiday in East Tyrol, told ORF. The holidaymaker has now gone back to Germany after it is gone it better, says Reinhard W?rzner by the Department of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck. The German had been infected with the new, aggressive EHEC bacterium W?rzner said on Thursday. Before they spent their holiday in East Tyrol, they had aufgehalten.Bei in northern Germany the boys had the infection have been found by chance. He had been infected with the 'old, recurring EHEC pathogens, "said W?rzner. Here, the medical officer in Schwaz guide the investigations.


http://diepresse.com/home/panorama/oesterreich/667164/Zwei-EHECInfektionen-in-Tirol

 

[tetano]

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Third case in Poland?


Street to the hospital. Arkońska reported a 25-year-old szczecinianin whose symptoms could indicate infection with E. coli strain.
A man with symptoms of diarrhea was longer in the hospital June 1 - said spokeswoman Renata Szczecin sanepidu Opiela. - There was then admitted to the hospital, but on the night of Thursday to Friday symptoms significantly tightened. Currently it is in the hospital at. Arkońska. His condition is good, there is kidney failure.

In late May, 25-year-old stayed in Neubrandenburg. He ate there, including vegetarian roll. Suspicion of EHEC bacteria in him already sent doctors to sanepidu. However, the results in this respect will not be known until a few days.
putBan (62), the hospital at.
Arkońska present all the time 29-year-old woman and 44-year-old man who developed symptoms suggestive of infection Escherichii coli strain. Man is still in the research to give an answer if it is infected. In turn, a woman of advanced renal insufficiency.

http://szczecin.gazeta.pl/szczecin/1,34959,9719504,Trzeci_wypadek_zakazenia_bakteria_EHEC_.html

 

[tetano]

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

In Hagen none other EHEC cases have emerged


In Hagen none other EHEC cases have emerged.
The Astrid-Lindgren-Schule in Eilpe was closed today because of the illness of a student. The child is doing now but better. It is to be released later today from the hospital. At the primary school, even the lessons Monday will again take place as usual. The food samples were taken at the school are now being reviewed by the State Veterinary Investigation Institute in Arnsberg. Results are expected within the next week.

http://www.107.7radiohagen.de/Lokalnachrichten.675+M5f3985c8004.0.html

 

[tetano]

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

German E. coli outbreak 'stabilizing': doctor

HAMBURG, Germany - An outbreak of E. coli poisoning that has killed at least 18 people appears to be stabilizing, a senior doctor in the German city of Hamburg, the epicenter of the outbreak, said Friday.

"The situation is that the number of new infections appears to be stabilizing somewhat," said Reinhard Brunkhorst, president of the German Nephrology Society dealing with kidney diseases.

"We are dealing here in fact with the biggest epidemic caused by bacteria in recent decades," he told reporters.

..

Brunkhorst said there are currently no indications that the bug can be transmitted from person to person.

Officials in the northern city of Hamburg initially blamed organic Spanish cucumbers but tests this week showed that while they carried EHEC bacteria, it was not the strain responsible for the contamination.

Despite the false alarm over Spanish produce, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany's national disease center, still advises consumers to avoid cucumbers, tomatoes and lettuce, particularly in the north of the country.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/world/06/03/11/german-e-coli-outbreak-stabilizing-doctor

 

[Tonka]

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

http://www.prensa-latina.cu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=293466&Itemid=1
Spanish to English translation

Infection with E. coli comes to UK

London, June 2 (PL) UK today confirmed seven cases of infection with the bacterium Escherichia coli (EHEC), which this week left 17 dead and thousands of patients in northern Europe.

According to the British Health Protection Agency, all those infected are related to Germany, where last week the outbreak was detected whose origin has not yet been determined, which encourages uncertainty.

Local authorities stated that the patients, including three Britons who recently traveled to Germany and four other Germans, suffering hemolytic uremic syndrome and bloody diarrhea.

Germany acquitted yesterday vegetables from southern Spain, especially those that grow cucumbers, as responsible for the outbreak of the lethal variant of intestinal bacteria.

A week after the Spanish cucumbers blame as the cause of massive infection,

Pr?fer office-Storks in the northern German city of Hamburg has admitted wrong.

Spain said it will launch legal case against Germany for the losses suffered by farmers in the Iberian nation of 200 million euros, officials said.

Spanish Agriculture Minister, Rosa Aguilar, expressed his dissatisfaction with the management of the crisis by the government in Berlin, who blamed his country without concrete evidence, he said.

So far, the city of Hamburg is listed as the epicenter of the infection and most patients were born in Germany and visited that country recently.

 

[Tonka]

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

http://ultimosegundo.ig.com.br/mund...a+surto+da+bacteria+ecoli/n1596998025213.html

Portuguese to English translation

Spain demands compensation from Germany amid the outbreak of the bacterium
According to Spanish Prime Minister injury caused to exporters due to the initial associations of the epidemic of Spanish origin products is great

iG St. Paul | 02.06.2011 18:45 - Updated at 22:13 A + A-
Share:
The Spanish government announced it will ask for "compensation for damages" caused by "egregious error" of Germany, to join Spanish products to the epidemic caused by the bacterium E. coli.

According to Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, there is "a minimum signal" that Spanish products are related to the epidemic caused by the bacterium, according to tests. "It is clear from the analysis of the Spanish Agency for Food Security that there is the slightest suspicion that the source of this infection so severe comes from a Spanish product," he insisted in an interview with Spanish public radio and TV.


Photo: APAmpliar
Farmer producer of cucumbers in Algarrobo, near Malaga, Spain. Initially, cucumbers Spaniards were identified as cause of outbreak
Authorities in Hamburg, northern Germany, were the first to cast suspicion that the source of the bacteria would be cucumbers imported from Spain. "(...) We will require compensation for the losses," said Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Rosa Aguilar.

According to the agriculture counselor of Andalusia in southern Spain, home of the cucumbers that were initially identified as a possible source of bacteria since the beginning of the crisis has already registered "a loss amounting to EUR 75 million."

Responsibility

"The damage done is great, it's a serious injury, but we will try to fix it," Zapatero warned. After mentioning "the glaring mistake of the German authorities," Zapatero said that "the German federal government should know who has overall responsibility compared to other states in Europe." "We will ask explanations are very blunt and now will require the necessary repairs," he added.

On the afternoon of Thursday, Zapatero spoke by telephone with German Chancellor Angela Merkerl, who "regretted the harm caused to Spanish producers" and "promised that Germany will consider formulas in Europe in March to compensate the affected farmers," according to the Spanish government.

The producers of fruits and vegetables in Spain, Europe's largest exporters, reported in recent days a drop in sales due to the fear that spread through Europe on their products. According to the Spanish federation of exporters of fruits and vegetables (Fepex), losses are approximately "200 million euros ($ 280 million) a week."

New strain

Also on Thursday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said the outbreak of E. coli which reaches Europe is caused by a strain (range of bacteria) completely new. The infection can cause life-threatening complication of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HES), which attacks the kidneys, sometimes causing seizures, stroke and coma.

Preliminary genetic sequencing suggests that this strain is a mutant form of two bacteria E. coli, with genes aggressive that could explain why the outbreak affecting nine countries, mainly Germany, seems to be so dangerous, the agency said.

According to researchers from Germany, the bacterium has genes from two different groups of E. coli, enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) and enterohaemorrhagic E.coli (EHEC).

The bacterium contains genes that cause resistance to antibiotics and are similar to a strain that causes severe diarrhea in the Central African Republic, according to a statement from BGI Chinese lab in Shenzhen, which works in conjunction with researchers from University Medical Center Laboratory Eppendorf in Hamburg.

Hilde Kruse, a food safety expert from the WHO, told the Associated Press that this is "a specific strain that had never previously been isolated from patients." She said the new strain has several characteristics that make it more virulent and produces toxins than strains of E. coli that people naturally carry in their intestines.

The same conclusion had scientists from the Beijing Genomics Institute in China, according to which the strain is "highly infectious and toxic." So far, the outbreak has reached over 1500 people, including 470 who developed a rare complication of renal SHE, and left 18 dead - 17 in Germany and one in Sweden.

Researchers can not say what caused the illness, which made Russia on Thursday to extend a ban on the importation of plants throughout Europe.

According to Kruse is not unusual for a bacterial mutation present with a change of genes. It's hard to explain, however, where this new strain may have come. She added that strains of bacteria often exchange genes, just like the Ebola virus among humans is a variant found in animals.

Previous outbreaks of E. coli hit mainly children and elderly, but the outbreak in Europe is disproportionately affects adults, especially women. Almost all patients living in Germany and recently traveled to the country. Two patients are now in the U.S., and both recently traveled to Hamburg, Germany, where there were many infections

 

[Tonka]

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

http://www.elpais.com/articulo/sociedad/nueva/coli/extiende/paises/elpepusoc/20110603elpepusoc_3/Tes

Spanish to English translation
Food Crisis
The new 'E. coli 'now extends to 12 countries
At least two cases the patients were not in Germany in the incubation period
EMILIO DE BENITO - Madrid - 03/06/2011


The new E. coli that erupted last week in Germany has already been detected in 12 countries. Apart from the country of focus, there are cases in Austria (two), Czech Republic (a), Denmark (17), France (six), Netherlands (eight), Norway (one), Spain (one), Sweden (43, with one deceased), Switzerland (two), United Kingdom (seven) and even the United States (two), according to the account of the European office of the World Health Organization (WHO). In total, 90 people divided into two groups : those with the bacteria enterohaemorrhagic (causing bloody diarrhea) and have developed the dangerous hemolytic uremic syndrome (a type of kidney failure). To these must be added the 1,733 affected in Germany (17 deaths), where there have been 199 new cases in the past two days, 50 of them with hemolytic uremic syndrome, according to the balance released today by the Robert Koch Institute Berlin.

Zapatero said that Merkel will consider possible compensation for Spanish farmers "in the European framework"
Russia bans imports of vegetables from the EU via the 'E.coli'
EU lifts health alert
Hamburg El Ejido
"It has only been documented a case of the outbreak, a woman in Korea in 2005"
The outbreak of 'E. coli 'spreads in Germany without clues to their origin
Family Book 'E. coli 'mutant
The EU does not limit the presence of 'E. coli 'in fresh vegetables
A new bacterium caused the outbreak in Germany
The witch of the Costa Dorada

E.coli contamination and export of the Spanish garden
ANIMATION - El Pais - 31/05/2011
Extent of contamination caused by the bacterium E. coli 0104, spreading the bacteria and export figures of the Spanish fresh produce to those who have harmed. - MARIANO HARVEST
The news on other sites

Websites in Spanish
in other languages
In the vast majority of cases outside of Germany, these are people who are infected in this country, as they were in the north of the territory a few days of serious illness (the incubation period is about three or four days) . In one of them, this is someone who did not travel, but live with someone who did. And there are two who were not in Germany, nor had contact with travelers to that country. The latter, of which the WHO has not given details, may give clues about the mode of transmission of the bacteria. Or still be false positives (now you know exactly what strain of microorganism causing the disease, we must refine the analysis.)

What has not changed is the rest of the situation. It still does not know where did the bacteria or how it came to food or water. And it is not clear the treatment as usual, the use of antibiotics, may be contraindicated, because the bacterium is resistant and can even cause further believes shiga toxin.

The situation, however, may be charged another victim: the relations between the two major health agencies in Europe, the regional office of WHO and the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC). The latter was the first to identify the bacteria as a type 0104: H4 with an intensive characterization of their genes. And, after the statements yesterday by the representative of WHO Hilde Kruse, pulled out a note denying that he can speak properly of a mutation, since it is a question of a strain known to have acquired genes from another.

For both institutions this type of discussion is important. For WHO, because it has lost any credibility with the flu and to a lesser extent, with its recent announcement of possible carcinogenic effect of mobile phones. For the ECDC, it is a young body (created in 2005) and has to earn a position as a center of reference.

 

[Tonka]

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

http://www.svd.se/nyheter/inrikes/ehec-kalla-kanske-aldrig-upptacks_6216875.svd
Swedish to English translation

Lettuce source may never be discovered

So far, 18 people died of EHEC infection was the one in Sweden. Scientists can not find the source of infection, and now there is talk of a mutant more aggressive form of the bacterium.
June 3, 2011, at 11:45, Updated: June 3, 2011 at 13:45
Whether NFA or Smittskyddsinstitutet change their recommendations after that it is now clear that the source of infection is not cucumber.
- The outbreak of this kind in which we never managed to trace the source, "says Sofia Spolander the NFA.
German scientists fear it could take months before we have a complete picture of the characteristics of the bacterium behind EHEC infection in Europe, reports Reuters. And as Sofia Spolander the NFA, it is not even certain that one ever finds out the source of infection for the outbreak which has so far claimed 18 lives, including one in Sweden.

It may well be that it is not possible to determine the source.
Sofia Spolander, NFA
- It may very well be that it is not possible to determine the source, it happens sometimes.

The article continues ...

Whether NFA or Smittskyddsinsititutet change their recommendations after yesterday's announcement that it is not cucumber which is the source of infection. For those who reside in northern Germany are still to follow the German authorities' recommendations to not eat cucumber, lettuce and tomato raw. Back home in Sweden, the usual recommendations regardless of infection - wash your hands when handling food, and to wash fruit and vegetables.

Yesterday, the Court of European smittskyddscentrumatt nature of the disease is very rare and that you have not seen previous version.

From Germans singled first Spanish cucumbers out as the source of infection. Then came the NFA into lots which could be traced. But currently there are no new plans.

- We do this when there is reason and it was there to do then. But at present there are no such indications. There are only eligible for a ban on imports if we know what it is we should stop.

According to her, it may also be that the infection disappears on its own.

- Food is indeed a perishable commodity.

The Spanish cucumbers bar in EHEC but proved to be of a different nature and Spain have now demanded of Germany for financial compensation. Germany has promised to consider the matter.

Russia imposed on Thursday imports of raw vegetables from across the EU, the EU criticized. It's food security is in far better shape than Europe it was called from the Russian county authorities yesterday.

 

[sharon sanders]

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Due to the apparent spread to 18 countries we have moved the e.coli forum out of the emerging disease forum and onto the main page.

 

[tetano]

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Re: Europe - 18 dead, 1600+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Germany: number of EHEC-related deaths rises to 18

In Germany the number of the most aggressive intestinal germ EHEC deceased persons has risen to 18. In Thuringia, died in a 80-year-old woman. Meanwhile, several countries already their borders to EU vegetables have closed.

The woman was in the Northeast to cure, as the State Office of Health and Welfare announced in Rostock. It was the second fatality in the state of Mecklenburg-

Vorpommern.


This means that in Germany at least 18 people died in the cause of diarrhea. In a different woman in Baden-Württemberg are still investigating whether she had been infected with EHEC. Even in Sweden, a person died from the virus.
Switzerland has been three confirmed cases, which run according to the BAG but without complications.



http://www.tagesschau.sf.tv/Nachric...hland-Zahl-der-EHEC-Todesfaelle-steigt-auf-18

 

[tetano]

Re: Europe - 19 dead, 2000+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment also recommends precaution to consume tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce not raw. This guidance, aimed in particular in northern Germany sold goods to be confirmed by the results of two new epidemiological studies of the Robert Koch Institute. HUS is the number of patients per 100,000 of population in the most affected countries, 5.5 for Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein for 5.1, 3.3 and 1.8 for Bremen for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. In the cases in other federal countries, it is usually a reference to observe northern Germany.

As part of investigations into the EHEC / HUS outbreak event, the Robert Koch Institute by further epidemiological studies, including case-control studies, online surveys and tracking of individual conspicuous outbreak events (see Epidemiology Bulletin 22/2011). For two of these studies are preliminary results.

In a case-control study, 46 patients with HUS or EHEC infection in Bremen, Hamburg and Lübeck from 29 May-2 June 2011 were questioned in detail regarding the foods consumed, even to those foods that are not yet included in the Hamburg and conducted on 25 May 2011 published study had found. These results were compared with 2100 healthy control persons of the same sex, same age and same housing region. While 84% of the patients had eaten salad were among the healthy controls only 47%. Similarly, the percentage was in relation to consumption of cucumbers in patients at 75% versus 50% for tomatoes and according to 80% compared to 63% in healthy controls. Overall, 95% of the cases had consumed at least one of the three vegetables. Statistical calculations of these data showed that consumption of raw tomatoes, cucumber and lettuce is also significantly associated with HUS disease.


In a joint study to an accumulation of cases with the health department of Frankfurt and the Hesse State Audit and Investigation Office in the health sector in a company in Frankfurt, it was found that people who ate from the salad bar in the canteen, nearly 7 times as often bloody diarrhea have received as employees who had eaten a salad. Other foods that were tested showed no such association.

The HUS is a severe and sometimes fatal complication that can occur with bacterial infections of the intestines called enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC). Each year, the Robert Koch Institute will be sent about 1,000 cases of EHEC. The full picture of HUS is characterized by acute renal failure, anemia by the disintegration of red blood cells and a lack of blood platelets. In 2010, the Robert Koch Institute were sent to two deaths.

The HUS-causing EHEC, the bacteria are directly or indirectly from animals to humans. considered as reservoir ruminants, mainly cattle, sheep, goats. The transmission to humans by fecal-oral route, the excitation is collected by contact with animal feces, through contaminated food or water, but also by direct contact from person to person (contact infection).

Due to the severe infection outbreak in May 2011 is recommended for precautionary reasons, acquired from the consumption of unheated vegetables which are available as cause of infection is suspected (tomato, cucumber and lettuce) and in northern Germany, were to the Enlightenment to give the exact source of the outbreak.
Even small amounts of seed are sufficient for infection, so that a transfer may easily occur.



http://www.idw-online.de/pages/de/news426559

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: Europe - 19 dead, 2000+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

[Source: World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Europe, full page: (LINK). Edited.]

EHEC outbreak: Update 5 (03-06-11)



03-06-2011


As of 2 June 2011, 520 cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) (11 fatal) and 1213 cases of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) (6 fatal) have been reported by Germany, taking the total in Germany to 1733 cases, including 17 fatal ones.


This is an increase in Germany of 50 cases of HUS and 149 cases of EHEC between 31 May and 2 June 2011.

Globally, 552 cases of HUS (12 fatal) and 1271 cases of EHEC without HUS (6 fatal) have been officially reported as of 2 June 2011, making the total number of cases 1823, of which 18 have been fatal.
Thus, between 31 May and 2 June, there have been 56 new cases of HUS (2 fatal) and 156 new cases of EHEC (2 fatal) reported globally.

​

- -------

 

[tetano]

Re: Europe - 19 dead, 2000+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Number of EHEC disease is rising in Hamburg

Hamburg (dpa / lno) - The number of EHEC disease in Hamburg continues to rise. "Even if the increase is slightly lower than in the past few days, the situation remains worrying, and it's definitely too early to give in any form clear," said Health Senator Cornelia Examiner Storck (SPD) on Friday. In Hamburg, were reportedly in the last 48 hours, 83 patients reported that the aggressive EHEC bacterial infection or suspected cases. Furthermore, the number of patients increased with the dangerous hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), or suspicion thereof by 13 "The total number of reported EHEC cases increased to 751 the number of reported HUS disease is 144," it said.


http://www.bild.de/regional/hamburg...ankungen-in-hamburg-steigt-18215300.bild.html

 

[tetano]

Re: Europe - 19 dead, 2000+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Number of EHEC cases rises to six in Oldenburg






County of Oldenburg (SOV). The number of people suffering from an infection in the district of Oldenburg with the dangerous intestinal bacteria EHEC has increased over the Assumption of five to six. "It is a case Had to come in," confirmed Dr. Leonard Hamschmidt, medical director of the district health office of the district of Oldenburg, yesterday at dk-demand. give a significant increase on this site not. So far, so have the health department learned of the nine suspected cases had been confirmed now six of them as actual EHEC infections, said Dr. Leonard Hamschmidt. Three of the six parties, and educate themselves, Delmenhorst, Harpenden, Great kneading and Hatten were severely ill at the so-called hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). The most recent case the evidence showed some evidence that travel may have played in more regions affected by the contamination involved.

http://www.dk-online.de/Nachrichten/Lokal/1048078-42/story.csp

 

[tetano]

Re: Europe - 19 dead, 2000+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

Nobody wants these 250 tons of tomatoes

<a href="http://s190.photobucket.com/albums/z27/prandot/?action=view&current=Tomaten1_3037425-3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z27/prandot/Tomaten1_3037425-3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Juicy plump, bright red, richly perfumed: 250 tons of tomatoes from Brandenburg
stored in the warehouses of Werder fruit. But nobody wants to buy them. In three
Warehouses piled the boxes on two meters. And come every day
three truck-loads of it.


"We will not sell off our tomatoes. Our products have their
Quality, "says Petra Lack, CEO of marketing company
Werder fruit, combative. But even she does not want the Berlin plaque
get paid more. Although based on EHEC
tested and nothing was found. The independent laboratory Berliner Bilacon
has confirmed on Friday.


"Per kilo, we have a loss of 1.50 euros," said Petra paint. The 250
Tons are disposed of on Monday. Werder fruit supplies to 80 percent in the
Region of Berlin and Brandenburg. Restaurants, market traders, caterers,
Nurseries and supermarkets sell (including Metro, Kaiser's, Rewe, Edeka)
the tomatoes. Until now.

http://www.bz-berlin.de/ehec/keiner-will-diese-250-tonnen-tomaten-article1196792.html

 

[Tonka]

Re: Europe - 19 dead, 2000+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

http://noticias.123.cl/noticias/20110603_2d963298c079a7e03fa549a5931da4b5.htm
Spanish to English translation

The ISP Says It Has Not Been Detected In Chile Presence Of Strain Outbreak That Affected European Countries
03/Junio/2011 - 15:10

The Public Health Institute (ISP) reported Friday that the reference laboratory in Chile has not detected the presence of the strain O104: H4, causing outbreaks of E. coli shiga toxin producing (STEC), which concerns Germany and other European nations.

He added that the probability that this bacterium to enter Chile Chile is low because agriculture does not receive food from Europe.

The situation in Chile remains stable over time. The reference laboratory methodologies available to detect the infectious agent, the ISP said in a statement.

From detection of suspect cases, the Public Health Institute is part of the worldwide Global Foodborne Infections Network, Latin America (GFN), which represents a powerful network of international support for the study of pathogens associated with outbreaks foods, especially those with international exposure, as in this particular situation, the institute said.

The ISP said that more STEC, are based on the presence of Shiga toxin or verotoxin, which are similar to the Shiga toxin produced by Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1.

This group is characterized by its ability to cause disease is a zoonosis, whose clinical picture is from a diarrhea of ​​moderate to severe diarrhea tables with stools hemorrhagic and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The incubation period is 3 to 4 days, may be 1 day. The symptoms of hMPV infection include abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea generally (may be absent), and vomiting. If there is fever, usually not very large, he said.

 

[tetano]

Re: Europe - 19 dead, 2000+ infected, 500 severe cases of E-coli - EHEC STEC hemolytic uremic syndrome

It is still unclear why the focus EHEC cases in North Germany, and why many more women than men are affected. A trail now leads to Lübeck. Italian experts believe now it was not more than vegetables cause. German research team caution against further lettuce, raw tomatoes and cucumbers.

EHEC-infected patients may have after a report by 'Lübeck news' in a restaurant in the Hanseatic city. The newspaper reported, citing the Kiel consumer protection ministry. Accordingly, the restaurant already experts at the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has been investigated. RKI a spokeswoman and a representative of the Kiel Department of Health confirmed that the RKI team was on Friday in Lübeck. Details of the findings, but they called it at first.

The 'Lübeck News' According to 17 people were infected with EHEC in the restaurant. 'The supply chain may be able to give the crucial clue how the disease has come into circulation, "the paper quoted Werner Solbach, a microbiologist at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein.

Italian scientists ruled out, meanwhile, that contaminated vegetables are the cause of the infection. This would result in tests, said the EU reference laboratory for e-coli bacteria in Rome. 'Is scaremongering on the consumption of vegetables is not justified ", said the laboratory that is part of the Italian Institute of Health ISS. The existing health standards for food safety were sufficient to prevent infection.

The German authorities consider their warning against raw vegetables still upright. The Robert-Koch-Institut and the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment declared the evening, there will continue to recommend that 'precaution not to eat tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce raw'. These warnings are confirmed by the results of new epidemiological studies of the Robert Koch Institute. A survey of patients revealed that 95 percent of them had consumed at least one of the three vegetables. The warning applies especially in northern Germany.

Where does the EHEC pathogen is still not always clear, but its origin is suspected in Germany. This follows after the numbers and the origin of the cases, the microbiologist Lothar Beutin said the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment. The epicenter is the area of ​​Hamburg. 'Either the source is still not dried up, or is it a man-to-human contagion like a snowball going, "said Beutin.

Meanwhile, the number of EHEC patients rises unabated. Within two days, the number of the suffering of the diarrhea patients has increased by 199 to 1,700, said the Robert Koch Institute. In 50 of the new cases, there was therefore a life-threatening complication of HUS. Overall, 520 cases of hemolytic-uremic syndrome are known. On Wednesday, it was only 470th In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the nationwide 18th HUS deaths registered.

"We can in this case certainly speak of an epidemic ', the RKI expert Klaus Stark told ZDF television. 'It is an absolutely unexpected occurrence of a large number of diseases that we have so far seen in Germany before. "


http://www.n-tv.de/panorama/EHEC-Spur-fuehrt-nach-Luebeck-article3496606.html