CDC issues travel notice about E coli. outbreak in Germany

By Mary Forgione
Los Angeles Times
June 3, 2011

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an outbreak notice Friday about the deadly and virulent new strain of E. coli sweeping Germany. The notice advises Americans visiting the country, especially northern Germany, to avoid eating raw tomatoes, fresh cucumbers and leafy salads. And anyone who has traveled to Germany and has become ill with bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps or more serious symptoms should immediately see a doctor.

Authorities haven't yet tracked the outbreak to a specific food or cause. Media reports say more than 1,700 have been sickened and 18 have died from what has been identified as a strain of the disease known as E. coli O104:H4, producing Shiga toxin. the rest