Bean sprouts may be cause of killer bug
BEAN SPROUTS locally grown in northern Germany have been identified as the likely cause of the E.coli outbreak sweeping across Europe.
Gert Hahne, a spokesman for the agriculture ministry in Lower Saxony, said health officials had identified the sprouts as the possible source of the deadly bug.
The source of the contamination could have been poor hygiene at either a farm, in transit or in a shop or restaurant, scientists say.
An alert is being sent out in Germany to warn people against eating the sprouts, which are often used in mixed salads and stir fries.
The bacteria has already killed 22 people and infected thousands more across Europe. British health officials have so far identified 11 people in the UK who may be afflicted with the outbreak, all of whom have recently travelled to or from Germany.
The killer strain of E.coli has caused haemolytic uraemic syndrome amongst some of those infected, a potentially deadly complication attacking the kidneys.
The outbreak was first blamed on Spanish cucumbers after cases of E.coli were identified in the north German city of Hamburg last month.
Spanish authorities reacted angrily to the accusation and threatened to sue authorities in Hamburg who made the link.
Hospitals in northern Germany are struggling to cope with the outbreak, as the disease continues to spread.
German health minister Daniel Bahr has said that hospitals in the region are struggling to provide enough beds to care for the sick.
Patients with less serious illnesses are being discharged early to deal with the surge of people stricken by the rare bacteria.
British authorities are continuing to liaise with German officials and the European Commission, as fears over the outbreak grow.
The UK’s Health Protection Agency has advised travellers to Germany to avoid eating raw tomatoes, cucumbers and leafy salad including lettuce, especially in the north of the country, until further notice.