E. Coli
E. coli bacteria in most often harmless, this germ is found in the intestines of animals and people. Another strain of the bacteria is E.coli 0157:H7can make an infected person very ill.
Serious cases of E.coli 0157:H7 can cause a potential problem called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) that affects the kidneys and blood clotting abilities of the body. Extreme cases of (HUS) may require the use of dialysis for a short time while the body regains strength. In some cases a person may become anemic for a while due to a low blood count.
Symptoms of the E. coli 0157:H7 are severe stomach cramps; diarrhea, fever and vomiting in more sever cases bloody diarrhea may occur. Generally these symptoms subside within a week.
Healthy cattle have the E.coli bacteria living within their intestines it spreads when the cattle are slaughtered. The bacteria is most frequently found in ground beef due to the fact the bacteria is spread when the meat is being ground. When the ground meat is cooked to the appropriate temperature the heat will kill the bacteria.
A person has to swallow or ingest food or a liquid in order to become infected with the E. coli 0157:H7 bacteria. The bacteria is commonly spread through families and those working in the food service, as well as caregivers, and daycare workers. Not washing ones hands thoroughly or wearing gloves when needed is a common way of spreading the bacteria.
Small children, elderly and those with low immune systems are most likely to become infected with the E coli 0157:H7 bacteria.
Call your physician immediately if you suspect that you or a family member has become infected with the bacteria. The only way to correctly diagnose the E. coli 0157:H7 is through a stool sample.
As yet there isn’t a treatment for the E. coli 0157:H7 Antibiotics do not help. The diarrhea will stop within a few days do not take medication to it. Make sure to replenish your fluids with lots of liquids.
Do not drink fresh apple cider, or raw milk, small children, the elderly, and those with low immune systems can become infected with the E. coli 0157:H7 bacteria when drinking these products.
In 1982 when the E. coli 0157:H7 was first known to cause the foodborne illness there have been 16 major outbreaks in the U.S. and 22 deaths caused by the bacteria.