E. coli is a common bacterium that is found in the intestines of humans and warm-blooded animals. Nevertheless, this particular strain, a rare serotype of EHEC (E. coli O104:H4), is severe, and has caused much illness and some deaths in Germany. Cases have also occurred in 12 other countries, all of whom had travel links to, or residence in, Germany, except for one case still under investigation.This is a significant outbreak of HUS. It is affecting mostly women and people over 20 years of age, which is unusual. As the source of the outbreak has not been found, it is difficult to say how long it will last...[Full story] 

Germany expects the death toll from the E.coli outbreak to rise although the number of new infections from the virulent strain of bacteria that has killed 24 people is likely to drop, the government said on Wednesday...[Full story]

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German scare over contaminated cucumbers 

E. coli cucumber blame strikes Spanish hard

1. What should I do to avoid getting EHEC?

2. Should I avoid eating cucumbers and other vegetables?

3. What if I get diarrhoea?