In addition, the German authorities report 82 more cases of bloody diarrhoea (VTEC or EHEC infection, caused by E. coli O104), bringing the total to 1,683.
23 people are now reported to have died, 16 with HUS (15 in Germany, one in Sweden) and seven with bloody diarrhoea (all in Germany).
One new case of bloody diarrhoea has been reported to the HPA today, bringing the total number of confirmed cases linked to the outbreak in England to 12 – three HUS and nine bloody diarrhoea. 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 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.
Source: Health Protection Agency
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