News sources are reporting today that the E. coli O104:H4 outbreak that killed more than 50 people and sickened thousands is now over. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the German public health body, informed the public that the last reported case occurred three weeks ago.
According to an article by the Associated Foreign Press, RKI issued a statement saying, “As the RKI has not had any new infections linked to this outbreak reported since then, the RKI considers the outbreak to be over.”
Although health officials in Germany believe that they are finally in the clear, they will continue to monitor for any additional reports of illness caused by the bacteria.
Image source: E. coli O104:H4 outbreak strain from the Robert Koch Institute.