Overview of E. coli Infection

E. coli is a bacterium that is found in the intestinal tract of humans and animals. Not all E. Coli bacteria make people ill. The E. Coli 157:H7 bacteria are the specific bacteria that are responsible for most of the illness related to the consumption of ground beef.

Symptoms of E. coli foodborne illness start about a week after eating contaminated food and begin suddenly with severe abdominal cramps progressing within a few hours to watery diarrhea. The watery diarrhea lasts about 24 hours, then bright red bloody stools begin. The bloody diarrhea lasts 2 to 5 days. Fever is usually absent or low grade. Nausea and vomiting may be present. Using anti-diarrheal medication makes the problem worse because it slows the elimination of the toxin from the body. Drink fluids to stay hydrated. Seek medical attention if you become faint, weak, or dizzy, or if you notice that you are urinating very little or have blood in your urine, have a rash, or have blood in the stool.

Why Ground Beef Is Contaminated

E. Coli 157:H7 is found in the intestinal tract of cattle. Meat can get the E.coli germ on it during the slaughtering process. When the beef is ground up, it is mixed with other beef and all of it becomes contaminated. E. coli can be killed by cooking meat to a temperature of 160 degrees F. E.coli does not penetrate to the interior of steaks and roasts, but stays on the outside where it easily is killed by cooking. Hamburgers however, are contaminated in the center as well and the bacteria may survive if the meat is not thoroughly cooked.

Skin Rash From E. coli Infection

A complication of E.coli foodborne illness is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS causes anemia, low platelet count, and kidney damage. A low platelet count can cause a purplish-red rash under the skin that looks like bruises.

Children and Elderly Are More Susceptible To The E. coli Bacteria

Children and elderly persons are more likely to have weaker immune systems than adults. They are also more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances caused by diarrhea and vomiting than adults are.

Can Dirty Diapers Cause E. coli illness?

E. coli is extremely contagious and can be passed from person to person. E. coli bacteria are shed in the stool for variable periods of time during and after illness. Contact with a diaper from a child with E. coli infection can cause illness in others. It is always a good policy to wash hands immediately after trips to the bathroom or changing diapers. Extra vigilance is required during times of diarrheal illness. Children should not attend day care until they have two negative stool cultures.