It is known that E. coli is a type of bacteria that normally lives in your intestines. It’s also found in the gut of some animals. Most types of E. coli are harmless and even help keep your digestive tract healthy. But some strains can cause diarrhea if you eat contaminated food or drink polluted water.
E. coli can
be spread from person-to-person and can contaminate food. It usually spreads
when people accidentally consume invisible amounts of human or animal feces. The
feces can be found on foods. It can also be left behind on surfaces after
someone didn't thoroughly wash their hands. E. coli exposure can also happen
through animal contact, where animals can carry the bacteria on their skin, fur
or feathers.
Most E. coli
strains do not cause disease, naturally living in the gut, but virulent strains
can cause gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, neonatal meningitis,
hemorrhagic colitis, and Crohn's disease. However, healthy individuals of all
ages are at risk to the severe consequences that may arise as a result of being
infected with E. coli.
Early E.
coli warning signs:
Symptoms of
E. coli typically start appearing 3 to 4 days after eating or drinking
something with the bacteria. However, symptoms can appear 1 to 10 days after
you're exposed. Common symptoms of E. coli include:
- Diarrhea
that can be bloody or watery.
- Abdominal
cramps.
- Constant
fatigue.
- Loss of
appetite.
- Nausea.
- Fever
that's typically under 101° F
- Signs of
dehydration.
- Pale skin.
- Cloudy,
foul-smelling pee.
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How can
you avoid getting E. coli:
You can
reduce your risk of E. coli infection by following best practices for food
handling and cooking. It's also important to have good personal hygiene.
Recommendations include:
- Wash your
hands well after using the bathroom, changing diapers, preparing food, or
eating.
- Wash your
hands after touching animals or their environment (such as at farms, petting
zoos, or at home with your own pets).
- Cook meat
thoroughly to 160° F and use a food thermometer.
- Avoid raw
milk, unpasteurized juices and dairy products.
- Thoroughly
clean all cooking utensils and food preparation surfaces.
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These habits
can also help protect you against other bacteria, such as listeria. Listeria
can contaminate food and can live in a long time in the environment and food.
It's often found in dairy products, deli items, fruits and vegetables.
It’s important to rest and get plenty of fluids to replace what your body is losing through vomiting or diarrhea.