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    Travel Advisory: E. Coli Outbreak in Europe: Medical Department

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    Harry Lwin
    Countries in the WHO European Region have reported cases of infection from E. coli bacteria and haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) since an outbreak began in Germany in May. E. coli, specifically the enterohaemorrhagic strain (EHEC), can cause severe foodborne illness through consumption of contaminated foods like undercooked meat or unwashed produce. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps, and in rare cases it can lead to life-threatening HUS, especially in young children and the elderly. Countries reporting cases include Germany, Austria, and others in Europe and North America.

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    Travel Advisory: E. Coli Outbreak in Europe: Medical Department

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    Harry Lwin
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    Countries in the WHO European Region have reported cases of infection from E. coli bacteria and haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) since an outbreak began in Germany in May. E. coli, specifically the enterohaemorrhagic strain (EHEC), can cause severe foodborne illness through consumption of contaminated foods like undercooked meat or unwashed produce. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps, and in rare cases it can lead to life-threatening HUS, especially in young children and the elderly. Countries reporting cases include Germany, Austria, and others in Europe and North America.

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    Countries in the WHO European Region have reported cases of infection from E. coli bacteria and haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) since an outbreak began in Germany in May. E. coli, specifically the enterohaemorrhagic strain (EHEC), can cause severe foodborne illness through consumption of contaminated foods like undercooked meat or unwashed produce. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps, and in rare cases it can lead to life-threatening HUS, especially in young children and the elderly. Countries reporting cases include Germany, Austria, and others in Europe and North America.

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    13 views2 pages

    Travel Advisory: E. Coli Outbreak in Europe: Medical Department

    Uploaded by

    Harry Lwin
    Countries in the WHO European Region have reported cases of infection from E. coli bacteria and haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) since an outbreak began in Germany in May. E. coli, specifically the enterohaemorrhagic strain (EHEC), can cause severe foodborne illness through consumption of contaminated foods like undercooked meat or unwashed produce. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps, and in rare cases it can lead to life-threatening HUS, especially in young children and the elderly. Countries reporting cases include Germany, Austria, and others in Europe and North America.

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    Countries in the WHO European Region have reported significant numbers of infection from enterohaemorrhagic E.

    coli (EHEC) bacteria, and cases of of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), to WHO/Europe under the international Health Regulations, since an outbreak began in Germany in May. E Coli, What is it? Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium that is commonly found in the gut of humans and warm-blooded animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless. Some strains however, such as enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), can cause severe foodborne disease. How is it Transmitted? It is transmitted to humans primarily through consumption of contaminated foods, such as raw or undercooked ground meat products and raw milk, unwashed contaminated fruits and vegetables. EHEC can grow in temperatures ranging from from 7C to 50C, with an optimum temperature of 37C. What is Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia Coli (EHEC)? It is a severe strain of e. coli bacterium that is commonly found in the gut of animals, mainly ruminants (grass-eating). EHEC produces toxins known as veratoxins or Shiga-like toxins because of their similarity to the toxins. They cause severe food-borne disease. What are the Symptoms of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia Coli (EHEC)? Symptoms of disease include: 1. Abdominal cramps and diarrhoea which may be bloody. 2. Fever and vomiting may also occur.

    Most patients will recover within 10 days , although in few cases (particularly in young children and the elderly), the infection may lead to a life-threatening disease such as Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS), characterized by renal involvement which may lead to acute renal failure. Countries that have reported cases include: Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, denmark, France,Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UnitedKingdom, and United States of America. Travelers to these countries are strongly advised to observe the following: 1. Avoid fresh vegetables particularly bean sprouts till the outbreak is over. On return if they experience bloody diarrhea they should immediately contact their physician and inform him/her of their recent travel. 2. Regular hand washing, especially before food preparation or consumption and after toilet contact, particularly for people who care for young children and immunocompromised, as the bacteria can be passed from person to person, as well as through food, water and direct contact with animals. 3. Follow the Basic Measures for Prevention Against Food-borne Diseases.

    Qatargas Operating Company Limited

    MEDICAL DEPARTMENT

    TRAVEL ADVISORY: E. COLI OUTBREAK IN EUROPE

    If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Medical Department , 24/7 at 4473-79999.

    Food-borne diseases may infect any family member. Concerns have recently increased after the appearance of some cases of food poisoning caused by new strains of the E. coli bacteria. The Medical Department always endeavors to maintain your safety and that of your loved ones. Please follow these instructions: Wash your hands thoroughly before eating Wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet Ensure the protection of the kitchen and utensils from insects Wash hands and surfaces that will be used before you start cooking Continue to wash your hands during food preparation and when moving from one stage to another. Use a disinfectant on the surfaces of your kitchen surfaces, marble, wood and plastic. Prepare various types of meat, poultry and fish away from the other components. Beware of re-frozen meat to get them out of the refrigerator after a period of time. Wash all the ingredients, including all vegetables and fruit, even if they are canned, pre-washed. Remember that raw fruits and vegetables can also carry Salmonella bacteria and E. coli Clean all surfaces around the sink with antibacterial disinfectant before and after preparing food. Use a separate chopping board for meat / fish / poultry and other for fruits / vegetables. Do not use the same piece of cloth that you use to clear the surfaces to dry your hands (for your hands use dry handkerchiefs,). Use a clean cloth to dry the surfaces and then wash it well in the washing machine.

    Five keys to safer food


    Keep Clean Wash your hands before handling food and often during food preparation Wash your hands after going to the toilet Wash and sanitize all surfaces and equipment used for food preparation Protect kitchen areas and food from insects, pests and other animals Separate raw and cooked Separate raw meat, poultry and seafood from other foods Use separate equipment and utensils such as knives and cutting boards for handling raw foods Store food in containers to avoid contact between raw and prepared foods Cook thoroughly Cook food thoroughly, especially meat, poultry, eggs and seafood Bring foods like soups and stews to boiling to make sure that they have reached 70C. For meat and poultry, make sure that juices are clear, not pink. Ideally, use a thermometer Reheat cooked food thoroughly Keep food at safe temperatures Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours Refrigerate promptly all cooked and perishable food (preferably below 5C) Keep cooked food piping hot (more than 60C) prior to serving Do not store food too long even in the refrigerator Do not thaw frozen food at room temperature Use safe water and raw materials Use safe water or treat it to make it safe Select fresh and wholesome foods Choose foods processed for safety, such as pasteurized milk Wash fruits and vegetables, especially if eaten raw Do not use food beyond its expiry date

    Qatargas Operating Company Limited

    MEDICAL DEPARTMENT

    BASIC MEASURES FOR PREVENTION AGAINST FOOD-BORNE DISEASES

    If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Medical Department , 24/7 at 4473-79999.

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