Frozen strawberries cause gastroenteritis outbreak largest in Germany

11,200 cases of norovirus gastroenteritis aimed at responsible, were reported in Brandenburg, Berlin, Saxony, Saxony Anhalt and Thuringia

The Robert Koch Institute in Germany reported yesterday that largest transfer of acute gastroenteritis in Germany, which affected since September 20 with diarrhea and vomiting to more than 11,200 people, was probably caused by a norovirus, and so far it appears which aired in frozen strawberries.

In a large number of patient samples norovirus was detected, however, the Institute warns that the cause of the disease is not yet completely clear and not discarded other toxins.

The first cases began in Saxony on September 20 to end on 28 March. Continued in the following days, isolated cases that were accentuated on October 4, reports the Institute.

Most cases were in Brandenburg, Saxony, Berlin, Thuringia and Saxony Anhalt finally some. Of the 11,200 total cases, 32 resulted in hospitalizations and thousands were isolated in Saxony.

Four studies conducted between January and August 4 allowed to know that the food they ate the affected joint was a bowl of strawberries, the statement said.

The dish ate frozen strawberries that suggests that the charge would be a supplier of Saxony, so the Food Inspection Agency blocked the product, the report said Koch.

The institute said it is likely that the keeper is just a lot of strawberries, where heating played an important role.

Despite these results Koch Institute researchers said they do not rule out other toxins as a cause.