E. coli Infections: Symptoms, Who Is at Risk and Prevention

E. coli is a type of bacteria found in the intestines of people and animals, and in the environment, food and water. Most types are harmless. Some, though, make people sick and cause diarrhea: one type causes travellers' diarrhea, and the worst causes bloody diarrhea and can sometimes lead to kidney failure and even death.

How people catch it

• Food. Eating food that carries the bacteria is a common route.
• Water. Swallowing water in a swimming pool contaminated with human waste can spread it, as can other contaminated water.
• Animals and people. Contact with infected animals, their surroundings, or other people can also spread infection.

Symptoms

• nausea or vomiting;
• severe stomach cramps;
• watery or very bloody diarrhea;
• tiredness;
• fever.

Most E. coli infections get better without treatment in 5 to 10 days.

Who is most at risk

Serious problems are most likely in:

• children, especially those younger than 5;
• adults 65 and older;
• people with weakened immune systems;
• international travellers.

Some types of E. coli produce a toxin called Shiga toxin. Infection with these can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure, lasting health problems and death.

Prevention

Handling food safely is the best way to avoid infection and food poisoning:

• cook meat thoroughly;
• wash fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking them;
• avoid unpasteurised milk and juices.

Sources

• MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "E. coli Infections." https://medlineplus.gov/ecoliinfections.html
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "About E. coli Infection," used for where the bacteria live, other ways it spreads, the groups at higher risk, and Shiga toxin and HUS: https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/about/index.html
• Rewritten in hubnx's own words.