Escherichia coli, a deadly foodborne bacteria, has infected over 1,600 people in 11 European nations, including Germany and Spain, even as experts are working to find out the source of the malady.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) today said "502 cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome [HUS] and 1,122 cases of EHEC [enterohemorrhagic E.coli] vases been reported, 1,624 in total."
So far, it has already claimed 17 lives in Germany and elsewhere, raising fears about a never seen before outbreak situation.
Along with Germany, cases have also been reported from Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Britain and the United States.
E.coli is found in large quantities in the digestive systems of humans, cows and other mammals. It is a virulent strain of gut bacterium that can cause severe upset stomach, diarrhoea, and stroke. In extreme cases, it can lead to a coma or kidney failure.
Though WHO said countries must not impose any trade restrictions in the face of this outbreak, several countries - Russia and Belgium among others - have clamped a ban on vegetables from Spain and Germany.
The virus which has apparently mutated into a deadly strain originated from a region in Northern Germany.
Initially, Spanish farmers were blamed for the E.coli threat but it is now confirmed that the epicentre for EHEC is Germany, said health analysts.
