E. Coli Outbreak in Germany on Decline as Test Results on Suspect Cucumbers Come Out

The epidemiological investigations carried out by German authorities seem to link the current outbreak with contaminated vegetables. Investigations are ongoing to confirm all possible sources of contamination.

6/1/2011 --- The European Commission has been informed that the results of tests on cucumbers made by the Hamburg (Germany) authority responsible for Food Safety did not confirm the presence of the STEC serotype O104, which is responsible for the outbreak, despite the fact that the sampled cucumbers tested positive for STEC. Cucumbers were considered as one of the possible sources responsible for the Shiga toxin-producing E. Coli (STEC) outbreak affecting Germany and other Member States. The results of tests on other samples are pending.

In the latest meeting yesterday of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health, the European Commission and Member States discussed the situation and a statement was endorsed by all Member States.

Health and Consumer Policy Commissioner John Dalli said: "This issue is an absolute priority. The European Commission is coordinating with Member States and is working with the German authorities, in particular, to ensure that the source of the problem is identified in order to be able to propose relevant solutions. The agreed statement of all Member States demonstrates the joint commitment to cooperation, vigilance and solidarity on this matter. It is positive that the number of new infection cases seems to be declining but all authorities must ensure continuous surveillance, which is crucial at this stage, as we are still working to pin down the possible source of contamination and eliminate risks for public health."

Citizens are advised to apply common hygiene rules to limit the risk of contamination: fruit and vegetables need to be washed thoroughly. Wash your hands before preparing food or eating, and after using the bathroom or changing diapers. Wash thoroughly knives, plates and other utensils.

According to the latest information, the STEC outbreak is responsible for nine (9) deaths in Germany and one (1) in Sweden. The final results of tests to determine the cause of a further five deaths are awaited.

In Germany, a total number of 1,169 cases have been recorded, out of which 373 developed the Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). Sweden has reported 41 STEC cases out of which 15 developed HUS, Denmark 14 STEC cases (six with HUS), the Netherlands seven (7) cases (three HUS), France six (6) STEC cases, the UK reported three cases (two HUS), Austria reported two (2) STEC cases and Spain one (1) case. Switzerland has also reported two STEC cases

Most of the cases reported outside Germany concern either German nationals travelling or persons who visited Germany. The epidemiological investigations carried out by German authorities seem to link the current outbreak with contaminated vegetables. Investigations are ongoing to confirm all possible sources of contamination.

Member States and the Commission acknowledge the efforts of the German authorities and encourage them to take all necessary measures in order to identify, as soon as possible, all sources linked to the outbreak and the way the contamination occurred. This information will be circulated without undue delay through the RASFF system. All involved services, at EU and national level, will maintain their close daily cooperation to ensure the rapid exchange of information.

Member States also note that the outbreak is linked geographically to an area surrounding the city of Hamburg. All necessary measures will be adopted at EU level as soon as the sources of contamination are fully identified. The priority of the EU is to ensure that only safe food reaches the market in order to protect consumers.