From WHO EHEC outbreak: Rare strain of E. coli unknown in previous outbreaks

The strain of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O104:H4 isolated from cases in the EHEC infection outbreak in Germany is a rare one, seen in humans before but never in an EHEC outbreak. This has been confirmed by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Escherichia and Klebsiella, the Statens Serum Institut in Denmark.
The molecular/genetic features of this pathogen are important in helping authorities to identify cases in other countries that could be associated with the outbreak in Germany and to identify the source of the outbreak. While epidemiological and laboratory investigations continue, the source of the outbreak still remains unknown.
WHO is not making any new recommendations for treatment. Normal hygiene measures should be observed: hand washing after toilet use and before touching food. Anyone who develops bloody diarrhoea and abdominal pain, and who has had contact recently with northern Germany, should seek medical advice urgently.

EHEC outbreak: 12 countries reporting cases to WHO
03-06-2011
Countries continue to report cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) and enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC). Twelve countries have now reported cases to WHO/Europe.
•Owing to a public holiday on 2 June, updated information on the number of cases of HUS and EHEC reported in Germany will be published on 3 June. As of 31 May 2011, Germany had reported 470 cases of HUS and 1064 cases of EHEC.
•In addition to Germany, cases have also been notified from: Austria (HUS 0, EHEC 2), Czech Republic (0, 1), Denmark (7, 10), France (0, 6), Netherlands (4, 4), Norway (0, 1), Spain (1, 0), Sweden (15, 28), Switzerland (0, 2), United Kingdom (3, 4) and the United States of America (2, 0). Figures are of 2 June 2011.
•All these cases except two are in people who reside in or had recently visited northern Germany during the incubation period for the infection (typically 3 to 4 days post-exposure) or, in one case, had contact with a visitor from northern Germany.
•In accordance with the International Health Regulations (IHR), WHO is keeping Member States informed about the latest developments and providing technical guidance on further investigation of the ongoing outbreak. WHO does not recommend any trade restrictions related to this outbreak

EHEC outbreak: Update 5 (03-06-11)
As of 2 June 2011, 520 cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) (11 fatal) and 1213 cases of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) (6 fatal) have been reported by Germany, taking the total in Germany to 1733 cases, including 17 fatal ones. This is an increase in Germany of 50 cases of HUS and 149 cases of EHEC between 31 May and 2 June 2011.
Globally, 552 cases of HUS (12 fatal) and 1271 cases of EHEC without HUS (6 fatal) have been officially reported as of 2 June 2011, making the total number of cases 1823, of which 18 have been fatal. Thus, between 31 May and 2 June, there have been 56 new cases of HUS (2 fatal) and 156 new cases of EHEC (2 fatal) reported globally.