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Signs of E. coli -

Signs of E. coli infection usually begin three to four days after exposure to the bacteria. But you might become ill one day or one week after exposure.

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Common symptoms -

One of the most common symptoms is diarrhea, which may range from mild and watery to severe and bloody. Individuals may also experience stomach pain or cramping, as well as nausea and vomiting.

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When to see a doctor -

Make sure to contact a doctor if the diarrhea is persistent, severe, or bloody.

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Not all strains trigger diarrhea -

The E. coli O157:H7 strain belongs to a group that produces a powerful toxin, which damages the lining of the small intestine. This can cause bloody diarrhea.

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Even a small amount can make you sick -

Unlike many other disease-causing bacteria, E. coli can cause an infection even if you ingest only small amounts. This means that one bite of an undercooked burger or swallowing contaminated water can infect you.

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Ground beef -

When cattle are slaughtered and processed, E. coli bacteria in their intestines can get on the meat. Ground beef combines meat from many different animals, which increases the risk of contamination.

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Unpasteurized milk -

E. coli bacteria on a cow's udder or on milking equipment can get into raw milk.

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Fresh produce -

Runoff from cattle farms can contaminate fields where fresh produce is grown.

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Contaminated water -

Poor sanitation can lead to the presence of bacteria from human or animal waste in water. You may ingest E. coli from drinking or by swimming in contaminated water.

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Person to person -

E. coli can easily travel to others, especially when infected adults and children don't wash their hands properly. Nursing homes, schools, and childcare facilities are particularly vulnerable to person-to-person transmission.

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Risk factors -

E. coli can affect anyone who is exposed. But some people are more likely to develop problems than others.

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Age -

Young children and older adults are at higher risk of experiencing illness caused by E. coli, including more serious complications.

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Weakened immune system -

People who have weakened immune systems are more likely to become ill from ingesting E. coli. This includes people with AIDS and those taking cancer-treating drugs.

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Pregnancy -

Pregnant individuals are also particularly vulnerable to E. coli. It may provoke a premature birth, or even a miscarriage if it's a severe infection.

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Eating certain types of food -

Riskier foods include undercooked hamburgers, unpasteurized milk, apple juice or cider, and soft cheeses made from raw milk.

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Season -

Although it's not clear why, E. coli infections are more likely to occur during the summer months.

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Decreased stomach acid levels -

Stomach acid offers some protection against E. coli. If you take medications to reduce stomach acid, you may increase your risk of an infection.

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People who work with animals -

Those who work with animals, especially cows, goats, and sheep, have an increased risk of contracting an E. coli infection.

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Complications -

Most healthy adults recover from E. coli within a week. However, some people in risk groups may develop a life-threatening form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome.

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Prevention -

No vaccine or medication can protect you from E. coli infections. But there are ways to decrease your chance of exposure.

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Washing produce - Make sure you wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them.

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Safely cook your meat -

Make sure you cook all meat to a safe temperature. This can be done by using a meat thermometer. The ideal temperature for cooking ground meat is 160˚F (71˚C).

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Avoid cross-contamination - Avoid cross-contamination by using clean utensils, pans, and serving platters.

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Keep raw meats away -

Always keep raw meats away from other foods, and away from other clean items.

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Don't leave your leftovers out -

Always refrigerate your leftovers within two hours after cooking, to ensure they'll remain safe to eat.

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Careful with defrosting -

Don't defrost meat on the counter. Instead, do so only in the refrigerator or in the microwave.

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Stick to pasteurized milk -

For reason's you now know, drink only pasteurized milk products.

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Wash your hands -

Wash your hands after preparing or eating food, using the bathroom, or changing diapers.

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Don't cook when you have diarrhea -

Diarrheal illnesses are often highly contagious and can be easily transmitted. Therefore, don't cook when you have diarrhea.

Sources: (Healthline) (Cleveland Clinic) (Mayo Clinic) 

See also: Deadly diseases and infections with a 24-hour window

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