E. coli outbreak 2011 from mutant strain baffles scientists as threat grows

The E. coli outbreak in Germany is getting worse but scientists have yet to solve the puzzle of how this particularly deadly strain developed and its exact origin.

Health officials are concerned that the E. coli outbreak will spread to more countries around the world one month after the first case was recorded. Data from the World Health Organization reveals that 10 EU countries and the United States have 90 people sickened.

At least 18 people have died and 1,733 fallen ill by the mysterious bacteria. The number of sickened individuals include 520 people who have suffered kidney failure and others who have begun to experience neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures and coma, German health authorities said.

With the death toll still climbing, the E. coli outbreak this year is the most lethal in recent history. In 2000, seven people died from complications in Canada while 12 people died in an outbreak in Japan in 1996.

Medical experts in Germany said it will take them at least until next week to figure out the exact nature of the E. coli strain to mount effective measures to prevent further spread of the E. coli outbreak.

It is believed that the deadly bacteria came from vegetables but the exact origin cannot be pinpointed at this time. Vegetable farmers have complained about financial losses stemming from the banning of their produce in certain markets such as Russia.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization urged consumers to lessen their risk of contracting E. coli and similar pathogens by washing fruits and vegetables adequately, separating meat from other food items and cooking food thoroughly. The advice stands whether or not an actual E. coli outbreak is reported.