E. coli

E. coli Escherichia coli, more commonly known as E. coli, are a large group of bacteria. It lives in the digestive tracts of humans and also animals. There are many different types, such as enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) which causes bloody diarrhea. Some types cause urinary tract infections. One other specific type that is real common is called E. coli O157:H7. This type can cause severe anemia, kidney failure, or even death. The way you contract E. coli is coming into contact with feces from humans or animals from food, water, or person to person contact. The most common way to contract E. coli is through food. It can get into meat during processing and if the infected meat is not cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Any food that has also been in contact with raw meat can also be contaminated. Other foods that can be infected include raw milk and dairy products. The bacteria can spread from the cows udders to the milk. You must make sure everything is pasteurized! Raw fruits and vegetables, especially lettuce, can be infected with animal feces. Unpasteurized apple cider can also put you at risk. Sometimes E. coli gets into water also. Lakes, pools, and water supplies can all be infected. People can become infected when a contaminated city or town water supply has not been properly treated with chlorine or when people accidentally swallow contaminated water while swimming in a lake, pool, or irrigation canal. You can also contract E. coli from person to person contact. This usually happens when people don’t wash their hands after having a bowel movement. The E. coli can spread to another person’s hands or another object. Some people do not notice any symptoms. Children are more likely than adults to have symptoms. Symptoms usually start 3 or 4 days after you come in contact with the E. coli. Some of the most common symptoms are bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Most people get better in about a week and don’t even ever realize that they