U.S. Public Health Command issues E. coli outbreak warning Published June 8, 2011 By U.S. Public Health Command EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The E. coli outbreak has left several dead and hundreds ill across Europe. Germany and the United Kingdom are the hardest hit, but there are reported cases in Sweden, Spain, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. There are 16 dead and more than 1,000 sick, including nearly 400 suffering severe and potentially fatal symptoms. The Center for Disease Control said two cases from the latest outbreak have been reported in the United States, and that both people had recently traveled to Hamburg, Germany, where many of the infections occurred. Both travelers are expected to survive. The CDC is working with state health departments to learn more about the cases and identify others. Public health professionals are attempting to isolate the source of the E. coli contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has increased its sampling and analysis of imported produce as a safety precaution. E. coli is a type of bacteria that typically causes diarrhea when food contaminated the bacteria is ingested. The strain of E. coli involved in the current incident may cause bloody diarrhea and may not be completely eliminated by simply washing contaminated vegetables. Diarrhea has many causes, including other bacteria and viruses; the presence of diarrhea does not necessarily indicate infection with E. coli. While there have not yet been any confirmed cases among Department of Defense personnel, the European Region of the U.S. Public Health Command recommends that DOD personnel and their families traveling to or through Europe should adhere to the following guidelines: 1) Do not eat raw cucumbers, lettuce, and tomatoes while in Europe, until the source of contamination has been identified and the problem isolated. 2) Quickly seek medical treatment if you develop: bloody diarrhea or diarrhea associated with cramping and mucus, or more than three loose or watery bowel movements in a 24-hour period. 3) The World Health Organization recommends that to avoid food-borne illnesses, people should wash their hands, keep raw meat separate from other foods, thoroughly cook their food and wash fruits and vegetables, especially if eaten raw. Experts also recommend peeling raw fruits and vegetables if possible. As more information about the source of the outbreak emerges, the FDA will adjust its public health protection notices.