The Public Health Regulation Department said this afternoon  that anyone having bloody diarrhoea especially if related to recent travel to North Germany should seek medical attention immediately.

11 people have died in Germany and one in Switzerland following an outbreak of  e.coli thought to be linked to vegetables imported from Spain.The link has not been conclusively established.

The main presenting features are bloody diarrhoea which in some instances has led to the development of serious complications resulting in infections and death.   

No cases of diarrhoea caused by E. Coli have been reported in Malta this year.

The health department said that while there was no cause for alarm in Malta, thorough cleansing of fresh fruit and vegetables and normal hand hygiene were strongly recommended.

It said it was continuing to monitor the local and international situation and will inform the general public accordingly.