E Coli Infection (Escherichia coli)

What is E Coli Infection (Escherichia coli)

E coli are bacteria that can cause an infection in various parts of your body, including your intestines. E coli bacteria normally live in the intestines of people and animals.

Most types of E coli do not cause infections, but some produce a poison (toxin) that can cause diarrhea. Depending on the toxin, this can cause mild or severe diarrhea.

This condition can spread from person to person (is contagious). Toxin-producing E coli can also spread from animals to humans. Most cases of E coli infection come from cows (cattle).

In some cases, this infection can cause a dangerous complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

What are the causes?

Causes of an E coli intestinal infection include:

• Eating raw or undercooked beef from infected cattle.
• Touching an infected animal and then touching your mouth.
• Eating fruits or vegetables that have come in contact with the feces of infected animals.
• Drinking fluids that have been contaminated with E. colifrom infected animals.
• Coming into contact with a surface that has been contaminated by an infected person.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in people who:

• Eat raw or undercooked beef.
• Drink raw (unpasteurized) milk, cider, or juice.
• Are in close contact with cattle, goats, or sheep.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition usually start about 3–4 days after the bacteria are swallowed (ingested). Symptoms include:

• Severe cramps and tenderness in the abdomen.
• Diarrhea. This may be watery or bloody.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Dehydration. Dehydration can cause fatigue, thirst, a dry mouth, and less frequent urination.
• Low fever. This is not common.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed with a medical history and physical exam. A stool sample may be taken and tested for E coli or toxins of E coli.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition includes rest and fluids (supportive care). If you have severe diarrhea, you may need to receive fluids through an IV tube. Symptoms of E coli intestinal infection usually go away in 5–10 days.

Some strains of E coli may be treated with antibiotic or antidiarrheal medicines. However, this treatment is rarely used because these medicines may increase your risk for HUS.

Follow these instructions at home:

Eating and drinking

• Drink enough fluids to keep your urine clear or pale yellow. You may need to drink small amounts of clear liquids frequently.
• Ask your health care provider for specific rehydration instructions.
• Do not drink milk, caffeine, or alcohol.
• Eat small, frequent meals rather than large meals.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after you prepare food and after you go to the bathroom (use the toilet). Make sure people who live with you also wash their hands often. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Clean surfaces that you touch with a product that contains chlorine bleach.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

How is this prevented?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer. Always wash your hands:
  • After you go to the bathroom.
  • Before you touch food.
  • After you prepare or cook beef.
  • After you touch animals at farms, zoos, or fairs.
• Do not eat raw or undercooked beef.
• Do not drink unpasteurized milk or eat cheeses that were made with raw milk. Do not drink unpasteurized apple cider.
• Wash cutting boards, counters, and utensils after you prepare raw meat.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables before you eat or cook them.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your symptoms do not get better with treatment.
• You have new symptoms.
• Your vomiting or diarrhea gets worse.

Get help right away if:

• You have increasing pain or tenderness in your abdomen.
• You have ongoing (persistent) vomiting or diarrhea.
• You have abdominal pain that stays in one area (localizes).
• Your diarrhea has more blood in it.
• You have a fever.
• You cannot eat or drink without vomiting.
• You have signs of dehydration or HUS, such as:
  • Pale skin.
  • Dark urine, very little urine, or no urine.
  • Cracked lips.
  • Not making tears while crying.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Sunken eyes.
  • Sleepiness.
  • Weakness.
  • Dizziness.