The Ministry of Health and Welfare advised outbound travelers to take extra caution to avoid the Escherichia coli that is sweeping some European countries, including Germany and Sweden.

The authorities have released promotional materials at the airports and public venues asking people to eat cooked food; wash vegetables thoroughly and pay extra attention to personal hygiene. The ministry stressed that the bacteria is can be killed by temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius.

The government has recently strengthened its quarantine examinations of people arriving at Incheon International Airport from Germany.

(baejisook@heraldcorp.com)