E. coli infection is caused by bacteria from contaminated food or water, undercooked meat, or contact with feces.
Cause
Pathogenic E. coli, especially Shiga toxin producing (STEC O157:H7).
How it spreads
- Undercooked ground beef.
- Raw milk.
- Contaminated produce.
- Water.
- Contact with animals or infected people.
Symptoms
Severe cramps, bloody diarrhea. Starts 3 to 4 days after exposure.
Complication
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
Prevention
Cook beef to 160°F and wash hands.
See a doctor
For bloody diarrhea.
Bacteria and transmission
Escherichia coli lives in the intestines of people and animals, and most strains are harmless. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), including O157:H7, cause illness. It spreads by undercooked ground beef, raw milk, contaminated produce such as leafy greens, contaminated water and contact with animals or infected people. The CDC estimates STEC causes about 265,000 infections in the US each year.
- Symptoms start 3 to 4 days after exposure: severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, usually little fever.
- About 5 to 10 percent of those infected with STEC develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure, mostly in children and older adults.
- Antibiotics are generally avoided in STEC infections because they may increase HUS risk.
Prevention and care
Cook ground beef to 160 F (71 C), wash hands, avoid unpasteurized milk, wash produce and avoid swallowing pool water. Rest and fluids treat most cases, and symptoms resolve in 5 to 7 days. See a doctor for bloody diarrhea, high fever, dehydration signs or diarrhea lasting over 3 days. Report outbreaks to local health departments.
Bacteria and transmission
Escherichia coli lives in intestines, and most strains are harmless. Shiga toxin producing E. coli O157:H7 causes severe illness. The CDC estimates about 265,000 STEC infections a year in the US. Sources include undercooked beef, raw milk and contaminated produce.
Prevention and care
Cook ground beef to 160 F, wash hands and produce. Seek care for bloody diarrhea. Avoid antidiarrheals, and hemolytic uremic syndrome is a risk, especially in children.
Strains and transmission
Escherichia coli lives in the intestines of people and animals, and most strains are harmless. Shiga toxin producing strains such as O157:H7 cause bloody diarrhea. They spread through undercooked ground beef, raw milk, unwashed produce and contaminated water. The CDC estimates about 265,000 STEC infections yearly in the United States.
Symptoms and care
Symptoms start 3 to 4 days after exposure and include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting, usually with little or no fever. Most people recover in 5 to 7 days. About 5 to 10 percent develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, a kidney complication, especially children. Antibiotics are generally avoided for STEC. Stay hydrated and see a doctor for bloody stool. Cook ground beef to 160 degrees Fahrenheit and wash hands after handling animals.
Based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization
