E coli

Description
E coli 0157:H7 is a strain of Escherichia coli bacteria that can cause severe illness. There are hundreds of strains of Escherichia coli that live in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals. This strain of bacteria is spread through undercooked ground beef, unpasturized milk or juice, untreated water supplies and from one person to another person.

Expected Course
Symptoms of E coli are severe, bloody diarrhea and painful abdominal cramps. The infection can be severe enough to cause a condition known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can result in kidney failure. Less than 10% of E coli infections result in kidney failure. Children under the age of 5 and the elderly are most at risk for developing severe symptoms.

Transmission
Transmission of E. coli is through undercooked ground beef, unpasturized milk or juice, untreated water supplies and from person to person. The incubation period, from exposure to the development of the first symptoms, ranges from 3 to 8 days, with an average of 3 to 4 days. The infected person can carry the bacteria as long as the diarrhea and other symptoms are present.

Diagnosis
A physician diagnoses E. coli based on clinical symptoms, medical history and stool specimen testing.

Treatment
Most people infected with E. coli bacteria will recover on their own with clear liquids to prevent dehydration. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

Prevention

• Avoid eating raw, rare or undercooked ground beef. Cook ground beef until it is hot, the juices run clear and the pink color is gone.
• Avoid raw, unpasturized milk or juice products.
• Avoid drinking from untreated water supplies.
• Careful hand washing with soap after using the restroom reduces the spread of bacteria by food handlers, healthcare workers and in daycare settings.

For more information or to discuss your symptoms with a nurse, call ASK-A-NURSE at (605) 322-6877 or (800) 658-3535*.

* The ASK-A-NURSE toll-free number serves residents in the following South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa area codes: 605, 507,320 and 712.