The epidemic of intestinal infection in Europe is caused by a mutated E. Coli strain
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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An outbreak of intestinal infection in a number of European countries, which has already become victims of 17 people, is caused by a new strain. This was reported in the World Health Organization.
According to preliminary analysis, a new strain that contains a gene that leads to death is the result of a mutation of two different rod-shaped bacteria.
According to Hilda Cruz, an expert on food security, the new strain has a whole set of characteristics that increase its damaging properties compared to other bacteria.
Currently, the EU recorded more than 1.5 thousand cases of a new type of intestinal infection, mainly in Germany. In 470 people there is a rare complication associated with renal insufficiency.
Experts associate the spread of infection with the use of fresh vegetables that are not subjected to heat treatment (cucumbers, tomatoes, salad). Frequent manifestations of infection are diarrhea with blood and abdominal pain. Severe complication - hemolytic-uremic syndrome, which threatens the development of acute renal failure, can occur after the cessation of diarrhea.
Doctors have not yet determined the cause of the outbreak of an infection that has affected at least nine countries in Europe, including Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, France and Spain.