As the deadly bacteria sweeps several European countries, Egypt is taking tough measures to prevent E. coli from entering the country, reports Reem Leila The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced the outbreak of a new, potentially lethal strain of Escherichia coli bacteria in Europe and the United States over recent days, with the bacteria up to now having claimed the lives of more than 35 people and infected more than 3,000 others. Germany is the European country with the highest rates of infection, with 24 deaths and 2,300 infections reported, and while the exact source of the infection is still unclear, other governments, including that of Egypt, are taking tough measures to prevent its spread. German authorities have indicated that food items including bean sprouts and other vegetables coming from a producer in Lower Saxony are the possible source of the outbreak, having first claimed that the source of it was cucumbers imported from Spain. According to a press statement from the WHO, samples of the E. coli strain taken from individuals infected have never been observed in an outbreak before. "It has been observed that the E. coli bacteria infect females more than males, and the reason is still unknown," the statement said. Livestock and dairy cattle carry E. coli bacteria, and meat can become contaminated during slaughter. As a result, people can become infected by eating contaminated meat that is not properly cooked. The WHO has issued a press release on symptoms of E. coli to help people and physicians in identifying it. The bacteria reside in the intestine, and one prominent symptom is diarrhoea streaked with dark red blood. It takes from one to three days before symptoms of E. coli infection begin following infection, and those infected may first suffer abdominal pains and nausea. Abdominal muscle contractions usually occur, with pain ranging from mild to quite severe. Frequent vomiting is another symptom that those infected might experience, possibly leading to weight loss. A mild fever in the range of 38 degrees is also common. Egypt has taken measures to prevent the bacteria from spreading in the country, with Minister of Health and Population Ashraf Hatem indicating that while there are more than 200 known strains of E. coli, most of them have only mild effects on those infected. "This new deadly strain of E. coli bacteria can be avoided by washing all green vegetables in detergent and running water," Hatem said at a press conference in Cairo. "Until now there have not been any of the deadly E. coli infections in Egypt." The minister said that strict precautions were being put in place to screen travellers from Europe to ensure they are free of the bacteria. "E. coli is contagious, and it can be transmitted by touching or eating contaminated food. It is found in human and livestock faeces and can spread to produce through careless bathroom habits and through animal waste. To avoid catching the disease, all vegetables must be properly washed and meat must be properly cooked at high temperatures," Hatem said. A monitoring committee has been formed to assess the situation in Egypt and to study ways of preventing bacterial infections in the country. At the press conference, Hatem said that "Egypt does not import cucumbers or fresh vegetables from any of the affected countries." The Health Ministry has been coordinating with airport officials to reinforce E. coli testing measures on Europeans and US residents who might be heading to Egypt for the summer. According to Amr Qandil, head of the Preventive Diseases Department at the Health Ministry, more than two million foreigners and Egyptian expatriates are expected to arrive in Egypt for the summer vacation, which takes place between June and September. "Although we have started applying the testing measures approved by the WHO since the beginning of this month, infection rates in Europe have started to decline. Health workers, along with airport officials, will nevertheless remain alert until the end of the summer vacations. In case infection rates increase, alternative plans will be applied," Qandil said. Qandil said that there was no special treatment for E. coli infection and that patients were advised to drink a lot of water and watch out for complications. "Specialised doctors are able to prescribe appropriate medication," he added.
