E.coli outbreak investigated in Norway
Norwegian authorities are investigating possible sources of an outbreak of E. coli which has affected eight people reports Food Safety News portal.
The illnesses began last month, with patients spread across the country, and the source is still unknown. People can become infected from E. coli bacteria by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, and contact with infected animals or people who have the illness.
The sick people are between 4 and 75 years old and they live in Aust-Agder, Akershus, Oslo, Oppland, Vestfold, Hordaland and Trondelag.
Local authorities, Veterinaerinstituttet (Veterinary Institute) and Mattilsynet (Food Safety Authority) are helping with the investigation, which includes patient surveys and lab tests on samples taken from patients’ homes.
Last year, Norway has been confronted with three other E.coli outbreaks that affected 10 people. It was the first year since 2013 that there had been an outbreak associated with the pathogen in the country.
Symptoms vary but often include bloody diarrhoea and abdominal cramps, usually beginning two to five days after exposure to the bacteria. Most people recover within 10 days. However, people in high-risk groups can suffer severe symptoms and side effects that result in hospitalization and sometimes death. High-risk groups include young children, adults older than 65, people such as cancer patients and transplant recipients who have weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.
The bacteria is destroyed by thoroughly cooking foods until all parts reach a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius or higher. Raw and cooked food should be kept separate and vegetables and fruit should be washed thoroughly before eating.
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