Guide To Understanding E. Coli And Preventing An Outbreak

With a severe E.coli infection running rampant throughout thirteen states due to contaminated romaine lettuce and possibly other leafy greens, the public is being advised to stay away from this vegetable as much as possible by U.S. and Canadian health officials. However, what exactly is an E.coli infection anyway, and how does it affect the body? What are the different methods available to prevent infection, and how do we keep it from spreading?

The National Outbreak

The Food and Drug Administration, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Consumer Reports have confirmed fifty-eight people sick in the U.S. and Canada, with one fatality so far. The Public Health Agency of Canada has confirmed romaine lettuce is the cause of the outbreak north of the border, with the CDC in the U.S. still unable to determine the source of their outbreak and are not advising the public to avoid certain foods.

Food cooked thoroughly usually kills foodborne bacteria such as E.coli. However, romaine lettuce is often not cooked as it is a staple in raw dishes such as salads and sandwiches. Thus, Consumer Reports are advising the public to be cautious of foods ingested raw. With this national crisis on the rise, it begs what is E.coli and how does it spread?

What Is E.Coli?

E.coli is a form of bacteria that naturally lives in the intestines of people and animals. However, specific types of E.coli, such as E.coli O157:H7, the type of infection currently sweeping across the nation, can cause intestinal infection. E. coli O157:H7 and other strains of the bacteria that result in intestinal infection are called ‘Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC), which is a toxin damaging to the lining of the intestine. E.coli O157:H7 can make an individual incredibly sick and can cause abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and even acute kidney failure in children. What are some of the symptoms to look for if an individual believes they are suffering from an E.coli infection?

Symptoms Of E.Coli

Symptoms of E.coli range from moderate to life-threatening, depending on the strain contracted. Symptoms of an intestinal infection begin between one to ten days after being contracted, and once symptoms appear, they can last between five to ten days. Moderate symptoms include abdominal cramps, gas, severe watery diarrhea that can change into bloody stools, loss of appetite, nausea, fever, fatigue, and vomiting. Severe symptoms include dehydration, bloody urine, decreased urination, pale skin susceptible to bruising, and possible seizures.

According to the CDC, approximately five to ten percent of those who become infected develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, leading to kidney failure, especially for the most vulnerable: children and the elderly. If all of these symptoms are present, consult a doctor immediately. What are the main sources of E.coli, and how is it contracted?

Sources Of The Infection

There are various ways to contract E.coli; specific foods, such as meat and dairy, are a major common source. Ground meat cooked improperly can carry E.coli, as it may contain bacteria from the intestines of multiple animals. Unpasteurized milk, which has not been heated to a regulated temperature to kill bacteria, can have E.coli contracted from the cow’s udder or milking equipment. Other predominant sources are produce contaminated by water that has come in contact with livestock and animal manure; other unpasteurized foods and beverages, such as fruit juices, yogurt, and cheese; water; other infected people; and animals.

Individuals can also contaminate their own food if they have not taken the proper precautions to sanitize knives, cutting boards, or kitchen utensils. What are some of the ways to prevent these sources of infection from spreading?

How To Prevent The Spread Of Infection

Although individuals can become infected in the simplest ways just by ingesting a small amount of the bacteria, simple solutions prevent contracting the infection and spreading it. Some easy ways include washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly, avoid cross-contamination by using clean cooking utensils and dishware, keeping raw meat away from other food, not defrosting meat on the counter but in the microwave or refrigerator, as well as refrigerating leftover food immediately. Other prevention tips include only ingesting pasteurized milk products, not preparing food if you have diarrhea or have E.coli, and most importantly, always wash your hands and practice good hygiene!

Remember: if you show any of these signs or believe you have contracted E.coli, contact your physician immediately.