Escherichia coli, or E. coli, is a bacterium that lives in human and animal intestines. In healthy humans and animals, the bacteria are found in small amounts. However, there are certain strains of E. coli, such as 0157:H7, that can affect the body negatively. People and animals that are exposed to this strain may experience nausea, intense abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
Where does E. coli come from?
E. coli exposure can come from contaminated food or water. Ground beef that has been undercooked and certain raw vegetables carry high amounts of harmful E. coli. When cows are slaughtered for meat, there may be E. coli bacteria in the animals' intestines, and the bacteria can also get on the meat. The risk of contracting E. coli from ground beef is also high because the meat comes from several different cows.
Unpasteurized milk can also carry strains of E. coli. This is because the bacteria on a cow's utter can easily get into the milk. Bacteria in the water from cattle farms can contaminate fresh produce as well. Green vegetables like lettuce and spinach are most susceptible to E. coli.
People can also contract E. coli by eating at restaurants. When servers or chefs don't wash their hands after going to the restroom, E. coli can be transferred to the food.
Feces from animals and humans can pollute the local water supply and get into streams and rivers, along with the water that is used for crop irrigation. Even though city water systems use chlorine or UV light to purify the water, a number of E. coli outbreaks have been connected to municipal water supplies that were contaminated, according to the Mayo Clinic.
How is an E. coli infection treated?
The Mayo Clinic states that there currently isn't a cure to eliminate an E. coli infection or a medication that relieve its symptoms. Most people can rid their bodies of the infection by drinking plenty of fluids to flush out the toxins and prevent dehydration. People who have an E. coli infection should avoid taking medication for diarrhea, as this will slow the digestive system and cause impurities to stay in the body for a longer period of time.
Adults can usually recover from an E. coli contamination within a week. However, elderly individuals and children may take longer to recuperate and could develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, which is a type of kidney failure. It's best for individuals who think they've been exposed to E. coli to see a doctor right away.
