The Health Ministry issued a statement Friday warning Israelis in Germany or those planning to travel there of eating fresh vegetables, due to the recent outbreak of E. coli disease in the country. The ministry also suggested refraining from consuming dairy products and to observe hygiene.
According to the announcement, Health Ministry officials are following the developments in Europe as well as the guidelines provided by international organizations. The ministry is also in contact with its German counterparts.
The World Health Organization says nine other European nations have reported a total of 80 people sick from the bacteria, most of whom had recently visited northern Germany.
Cucumbers in Berlin. Keep away (Photo: Reuters)
Suspicion has fallen on raw tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce as the source of the germ but researchers have been unable to pinpoint the exact source.
The Health Ministry stated that all agricultural products imported to Israel are being carefully checked to make sure they are not infected by E. coli germs.
Germany's national disease control center says almost 200 new cases of E. coli infection were reported in the first two days of June, bringing the number of cases in the country to 1,733. Eighteen people have died, all but one in Germany.
The Robert Koch Institute said Friday that 520 of those sickened are suffering from a life-threatening complication that can cause kidney failure.
News agencies contributed to the report