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Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli) |
E. coli are bacteria that normally live in the intestines of humans and animals. There are many strains of E. coli bacteria and most of them are harmless. However, one particular strain, E. coli O157:H7, causes serious illness in people.
- Diarrhea (which often becomes bloody)
- Stomach cramps
- Little or no fever
- Symptoms appear 1 to 10 days after exposure, usually 2 - 4 days.
- It can spread from cattle to people through raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk, or contaminated water.
- People can also get infected by consuming raw produce or unpasteurized juice or cider that has been contaminated either by manure in the field or by raw beef or raw beef juices in the kitchen.
- An infected person may spread the illness to others by failing to wash their hands well after a bowel movement.
- E. coli O157:H7 is diagnosed by testing a stool sample from an ill person using a special test.
- The diarrhea usually goes away in a few days without treatment. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicines. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration (fluid loss).
- Antibiotics are not recommended for E. coli O157:H7 infection.
Potential Complications: Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) |
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS is a serious complication of
E. coli O157:H7 infection
- HUS damages the kidneys and blood vessels.
- Most people with E. coli O157:H7 infection don’t develop HUS.
- HUS is more common in young children and the elderly who have
E. coli O157:H7 infection.
- Cook ground beef and hamburger thoroughly.
- Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods.
- Wash hands, counters, and utensils with hot soapy water after they touch raw meat.
- Never place cooked hamburgers, ground beef, or other ready-to-eat food on unwashed plates that held raw patties.
- If you are served pink hamburger in a restaurant, send it back for further cooking.
- Wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly under running water, especially if they will not be cooked.
- Wash hands thoroughly using soap and warm water after handling raw meat, using the bathroom, helping a child in the bathroom, or changing diapers.
- Wash hands thoroughly using soap and warm water before preparing or eating food.
- Teach children how and when to wash their hands.
- Drink only pasteurized milk, juice and cider.
- Anyone with a diarrheal illness should avoid swimming in public pools or lakes, sharing baths with others, and preparing food for others.
