What is E. Coli Bacteria?

E. coli (Escherichia coli) are bacteria that live in the intestines of people as well as animals. Most types of E. coli are not harmful--at worst, they may cause a brief bout of diarrhea.

However, there are a few strains of E. coli that can cause stomach cramps and severe diarrhea, as well as possible serious organ problems like kidney failure. How can you come in contact with E. coli?  One of the ways is through food or water that has been contaminated--for example, ground beef that is undercooked, unpasteurized milk or raw vegetables.

E. coli bacteria can also travel from person to person or from animal to person--especially when someone who is infected hasn't washed their hands thoroughly.

When a healthy adult is infected with a bad strain of E. coli, they are usually able to recover within a few days, but children and older adults who are infected can develop kidney failure that can be potentially life-threatening.  Symptoms usually occur within 3-4 days of exposure and can include abdominal pain and cramping, nausea and vomiting and diarrhea.  It is important to contact a doctor if your diarrhea persists or is bloody or if you start feeling sick after eating fresh produce or undercooked ground beef.

If you do visit a doctor because you believe you may have been exposed to harmful bacteria such as E. coli, they will send a stool sample to a lab in order to test for the bacteria. If you are diagnosed with an E. coli infection, you will most likely be told to rest and get plenty of fluids.  Unfortunately, here is no specific treatment or drug that can treat this type of infection.

The best course of action is to prevent infection in the first place--always wash your hands and utensils well, drink pasteurized juice and milk, wash produce thoroughly and avoid eating pink meat.