“Super toxic” European E. coli strain never-before-seen, death toll at 18

The deadly E. coli outbreak from contaminated raw vegetables in Europe is blamed on a “super toxic” strain of the bacteria.

According to the latest AP report on the outbreak which has killed at least 18 people and sickened 1,600 people in 10 European countries is the result of an extremely toxic strain of E. coli never-before-seen by food safety scientists.

Investigations into the strain of E. coli reveal it contains genes which make it resistant to most, if not all, forms of antibiotics. These are often referred to as “super bugs” and most often lead to life-threatening sickness or death.

At least two Americans who were tourists in northern Germany – where the outbreak is believed to have originated – are among the 1,600 sick from the virus. Of those victims, at least 500 have been hospitalized with a life-threatening kidney disorder, AP reports.

German and Chinese scientists who’ve examined the strain of E. coli say it appears to be a combination of two different types of E. coli bacteria.

Shipments of tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce have been halted from Spain, where it is believed the toxic raw vegetables were grown.

Russia has banned all vegetables grown or shipped from any European Union countries to prevent the spread of the E. coli bacteria, a move which angered some Italian farmers. Most of those who got sick after eating vegetables live in Germany or recently visited.

Unlike many E. coli outbreaks which affect mostly children and the elderly with the most severe symptoms, this outbreak appears to be targeting adults and mainly women.

Victims interviewed by AP tell of the common symptoms of E. coli poisoning, such as fever and bloody diarrhea, but this virus appears to cause far more serious symptoms.

One man told reporters he had the usual symptoms then his arm and leg went numb. He’s endured three blood transfusions to remove the bacteria without success and remains in the hospital.