The breaking news today from Europe is that the current outbreak of serious E. coli infections there represents the third-largest spread of the bacteria within the last decade or so.
The BBC reported today that the World Health Organization has identified the latest outbreak as representing a “completely new strain” of the dangerous bacteria.
While such outbreaks have occurred throughout the world before, and while widespread infections are not unheard of, there are a few characteristics about this particular outbreak that should have anti-terrorism experts and biological weapons watchdog groups on full alert.
According to the BBC report:
–> The WHO identified the E. Coli bacteria as a genetically new form of the bacteria.
–> This new form specifically causes haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS) which affects the kidneys and the blood.
–> Scientists at Beijin Genomics Institute reported that this particular strain is especially infectious and toxic.
–> Experts report this outbreak is unique due to the high number of cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS).
This new strain comes from two known strains – enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC).
According to Dr. Paul Wigley, the most toxic elements of each strain have been combined to form a newer, deadlier strain of E. Coli with two toxins that attack the kidneys as well as the central nervous system.
Sounds like something a mad scientist would do…or maybe a terrorist?
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