Download Infection Control Service E. coli

Infection Control Service
E. coli (Escherichia coli)
Introduction
This leaflet provides information on commonly asked questions about E-coli (Escherichia coli)
What is an E. coli infection?
E.coli is the name of a bacterium that lives in the digestive tract of humans and animals.
There are many types of E.coli and most of them are harmless.
E.coli 0157 can cause severe illness in humans particularly in children under five and the elderly.
What causes E. coli 0157 infection?
E coli can be transmitted through contaminated water or food, or through contact with animals.
The major source for human illness is from animals and their environment, particularly cows, sheep
and goats.
Infection starts when we swallow e-coli bacteria. This is caused by:
• Eating contaminated food such as under cooked meat.
• Drinking unpasteurized (raw) milk.
• Contact with animals such as cows, sheep and goats.
• Contact with the faeces of infected people.
How can E.coli 0157 infections be prevented?
Wash your hands thoroughly
 After using the toilet
 Before preparing food
 After handling raw meats
 Before eating
 After contact with animals or their environment (at farms)
 Cook meats thoroughly (Use a thermometer)
 Avoid raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products.
Prevent cross contamination in food preparation by thoroughly washing hands, cutting boards, and
utensils after they touch raw meat
What are the symptoms?
The time between swallowing the bacteria and symptoms may be (incubation time)
1 and 14 days
Symptoms can present as:
Diarrhoea which may contain blood
Nausea and/or vomiting
Stomach pain
High Temperature
Symptoms usually settle fairly quickly but complications such as kidney damage and disorders of blood
clotting can affect the very young or elderly
Treatment of E.Coli
Antibiotics are not recommended for E.coli 0157.
Medication from chemists to stop diarrhoea should not be used as this can lead to a more severe
illness
It is important to drink plenty of fluids to replace the water lost through having diarrhoea.
Babies and young children may need to have special rehydration drinks on their doctors’ advice.
How to contact us
If you have further questions about E. coli, or other healthcare associated infection, please contact the
infection control service on:
Telephone: 01268 244649
Email:[email protected]
If you would like this information in Braille, large type, in another format or
in another language, please ask a member staff.