Slices of cucumber and a tomato slice are pictured in this illustration photo taken in Berlin May 30, 2011. A German hospital said on Monday it anticipates the deadly E. coli outbreak will worsen in the coming week as a virulent strain of the bacteria has so far killed 11 people and left more than 300 seriously ill, mostly in northern Germany. The outbreak of E. coli-caused hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication of a type of E. coli known as Shiga toxin-producing E. Coli (STEC) is the largest ever of its kind in Germany and worldwide, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said in a risk assessment. German authorities have warned consumers to avoid eating raw cucumbers, lettuces and tomatoes and has removed some products from store shelves. [Photo/Agencies] |
