Health Alerts
Toxigenic E. coli outbreak in Europe: Information for consumers
Jurisdictional health departments are closely monitoring a foodborne disease outbreak in Europe that began in early May 2011. This outbreak has been caused by a strain of Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O104:H4, a highly pathogenic bacterium subgroup of Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC).
This strain of STEC has never been reported in Australia and there have been no cases linked to this outbreak notified in Australia to date.
E. coli are bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of people and animals. Many types of E. coli are harmless.
STEC is a group of pathogenic E. coli strains capable of producing toxins, with the potential to cause severe enteric and systemic disease in humans. These toxins can lead to the development of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) which is a severe condition characterised by kidney failure, bleeding and anaemia. It can sometimes be fatal.
STEC and HUS are notifiable in all states and territories and all cases are investigated by public health officials.
The food source of the current outbreak has not been identified however consumption of salad items, such as bean sprouts, has been implicated. Human to human spread has not been described with this outbreak. However, while uncommon, person to person contamination can occur. Those caring for persons should adhere to good hand hygiene and other contact precautions.
The Australian Government continues to monitor the situation in consultation with the Communicable Diseases Network Australia, the Public Health Laboratory Network and Food Standards Australia New Zealand.
If you have recently travelled to Europe and have diarrhoea you should see your doctor. Your doctor will request a stool specimen for testing for STEC.
The doctor will ask the laboratory to test the stool for bacterial pathogens including STEC.
For a list of the countries involved in the outbreak in Europe and further information see the World Health Organization’s website.
