E. coli 0157:H7 Infection
What is E. coli 0157:H7 infection?
E. coli are bacteria that normally live in the intestines of humans
and animals. Although, most strains of this bacteria are harmless, several
are known to produce toxins that can cause diarrhea. One particular
E. coli strain called 0157:H7 can cause severe diarrhea and kidney damage.
Who gets E. coli 0157:H7 infection?
Anyone of any age can become infected with E. coli 0157:H7, but children
are more likely to develop serious complications.
How does one get infected with E. coli 0157:H7?
The bacteria is acquired by eating food containing the bacteria. The
bacteria live in the intestines of some healthy cattle, and contamination
of the meat may occur in the slaughtering process. Eating meat that
is rare or inadequately cooked is the most common way of getting the
infection. Person-to-person transmission can occur if infected people
do not wash their hands after using the toilet.
What are the symptoms of E. coli 0157:H7 infection?
People infected by E. coli 0157:H7 can develop a range of symptoms.
Some infected people may have mild diarrhea or no symptoms at all. Most
identified cases develop severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Blood
is often seen in the stool. Usually little or no fever is present.
How soon after the exposure do symptoms appear?
The symptoms usually appear about three days after exposure, with
a range of one to nine days.
How is infection with E. coli 0157:H7 diagnosed?
Infection with E. coli 0157:H7 can only be diagnosed by a special
stool culture that is not performed in many laboratories. Public health
authorities have advised doctors and laboratories to consider performing
a special stool culture test for E. coli 0157:H7 particularly in people
with bloody diarrhea.
What is the treatment for infection with E. coli 0157:H7?
Most people recover without antibiotics or other specific treatment
in five to 10 days. Scientific studies have not yet been conducted to
determine if antibiotics are useful or harmful in the treatment of E.
coli 0157:H7 infection.
What complications can result from infection with E. coli 0157:H7?
In some people, particularly children under five years of age, the
infection can cause a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome
(HUS). This is a serious disease in which red blood cells are destroyed
and the kidneys fail. Transfusions of blood or blood clotting factors
as well as kidney dialysis may be necessary. A prolonged hospital stay
is often required. Fortunately, most people with HUS recover completely,
but it can be fatal.
How can infection with E. coli 0157:H7 be prevented?
Do not eat undercooked hamburger or other ground beef products. Cook
all ground beef and hamburger thoroughly. Make sure the cooked meat
is brown throughout (not pink), and the juices run clear. Drink only
pasteurized milk and milk products. Make sure infected people, especially
children, wash their hands carefully with soap after using the toilet
to reduce the risk of spreading the disease.
Updated: April 1996
Source: NY State Department of Health
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