E coli outbreak 2011

The fifth angel sounds his trumpet; This signals the "First woe":-  Book of Revelation 

It is alarming indeed that a new stronger strain of E-coli is out in the European Region; causing multiple death and illnesses to mankind.

E coli is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms (endotherms). Most E. coli strains are harmless, but some, stereotype O157:H7, can cause serious food poisoning in humans.

The infectious disease detectives worldwide was alarmed recently to find the cause of an outbreak of  new E coli strain  and has spread to 10 countries that caused at least 16 deaths and hundreds of illnesses.

Outbreak reaches Germany and Sweden; cases have been identified in Austria, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

 Beijing scientist from Genomic Institute said the outbreak of infection in Germany is caused by a new "super-toxic" E. coli strain, though the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the strain has been seen before.

Russia imposed the vegetable ban it is a protective measure taken in response to events that are happening in Europe today. While the United Arab Emirates imposed a temporary ban on cucumbers from Spain, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands these ban on fresh vegetables from the European Union comes three days after Russia blocked the import of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and salad greens from Germany and Spain.

For more information regarding the said outbreak refer to the World Health Organization site.