We all have Escherichia coli bacteria in our . These are the good strains of the bacteria. help us digest our food. There are billions these bacteria in our intestines and in our . Of the hundreds of strains of good E. , there are only a few strains that are for us. These strains usually cause stomach problems diarrhea.
The worst of these strains is labeled . coli 0157. This strain is common in healthy , sheep, and goats. But when it gets into , it causes illness. This strain can kill humans, only rarely. It kills our red blood cells causes our kidneys to stop functioning. Hospitalization and are necessary to prevent death.
Most people just mildly sick from E. coli 0157. There are just two symptoms: stomach cramps and diarrhea (non-bloody bloody). These symptoms may last up to two . The very young and the very old are susceptible to severe symptoms. In the US, more 100,000 people get infected annually. People who live countries with contaminated water develop immunity to infection.
primary sources of infection are contaminated water, undercooked , unwashed fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurized milk or products. Swimming in or swallowing contaminated lake water also result in infection. In the US, outbreaks hundreds of people have been traced to undercooked at fast food restaurants, to packaged vegetable products as spinach, and even to petting zoos. One the best preventive measures is to wash our often, and wash thoroughly after using the toilet.