E. Coli Infection: What Americans Need to Know

E. coli stands for Escherichia coli. It is a type of bacteria that usually resides within our intestines. Most types of E. coli bacteria do not cause much harm, or may cause a few symptoms such as diarrhea. However, there are some types of E. coli can be much more serious and cause severe symptoms. More dangerous types of E. coli can cause severe symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal cramps, and bloody diarrhea.

People can develop E. coli as a result of consuming contaminated water or food. This often happens when people eat things like meat that is undercooked. People with a strong immune system often recover from the infection within about a week. However, if a child or a person with a weakened immune system is exposed to E. coli, they have a greater risk of developing a life-threatening form of kidney failure. This is known as hemolytic uremic syndrome.

The signs and symptoms of E. coli usually appear within about three or four days after being exposed to the bacteria. Some people also get sick as soon as one day after to more than a week later. The signs and symptoms include diarrhea (which may range from mild and watery to severe and bloody), abdominal cramping, pain or tenderness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and fever.

People may be exposed to E. coli by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. The most common way to develop an E. coli infection is by eating contaminated food. Contaminated food or drink that may harbor E. coli bacteria includes ground beef, unpasteurized milk, fresh produce, or contaminated water.

In ground beef, E. coli bacteria can develop in the intestines of cows which can appear on the meat when sold. Ground beef also contains meat from a number of different animals, which increases the risk of contamination. E. coli bacteria may also get into raw cow’s milk when being processed to be sold. Fresh produce may harbor E. coli bacteria as is may get into the fields where fresh produce is grown if near cattle farms.

Vegetables like spinach and lettuce are often most susceptible to E. coli contamination. Human and animal feces may pollute ground and surface water, including streams, rivers, lakes and water used to irrigate crops.

People may also be exposed to E. coli bacteria via person-to-person contact. E. coli bacteria can be easily transmitted from person to person, especially when infected adults and children do not practice good hygiene, such as proper hand washing. Family members of young children with E. coli infection are at a higher risk of developing it themselves.