E coli outbreak spreading in Germany

Berlin: More than 270 people in Germany have fallen seriously ill because of potentially deadly bacteria (E coli), which has been detected in imported Spanish cucumbers.

Dozens of cases have been reported across Europe. Experts are now probing the two agricultural sites while Spain has suspended operations of its largest distributors.

Enterohaemorrhagic E coli causes haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), which can result in acute renal failure, seizures, strokes and coma.

Initial warnings had spoken of possible contamination in tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumbers grown in northern Germany, where most cases of food-poisoning have been reported.