A health ministry source said the first suspected case of E. coli infection in Egypt has been detected in the Red Sea coastal town of Marsa Alam Tuesday.

The source, who preferred not to reveal his name, said the suspected patient is a German who travelled to Marsa Alam for fishing and diving trips.

He suffered some of the E. coli symptoms, such as severe diarrhea and high temperature.

The man was admitted to the Hurghada Hospital and underwent medical examinations that should determine whether he is E. coli positive.

A recent E. coli outbreak has caused a wave of fear across Europe after killing at least 22 people. The bacteria results in severe bleeding in the intestines and is considered to be terminal.

E. coli infections soared to 2500, 18 of which have been so far pronounced dead.

The same source said all foreign tourists will be thoroughly checked before they arrive in Egypt.