5 Things You Should Know About the Deadly German E Coli Outbreak if You're Going to Germany

The CDC has issued a warning to anyone traveling to Germany about the deadly strain of e coli that has broken out and claimed 18 lives and sickened thousands. The CDC is calling it the even scarier sounding Siga toxin-producing E. Coli 0104: H4. 

So if you're planning on traveling to Germany, here's what you should know to avoid getting sick. 

1. Most infections have been reported in people in northern Germany (mainly Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, and Schleswig-Holstein) or in people who have recently traveled to these areas. 

2. Cases in travelers to northern Germany have been reported in Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

3. German health authorities are investigating the outbreak but have not confirmed a source. They suspect that the source is contaminated food, possibly raw vegetables.

4. German health authorities recommend that people in Germany, especially in the northern part of the country, avoid eating raw tomatoes, fresh cucumbers, and leafy salads, until further notice. 

5. Travelers should also follow regular food safety measures when handling fruit and vegetables.