E Coli Infection Essay

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E. Coli Infection

E. coli are bacteria that can cause an infection in various parts of your body, including your intestines. E. coli bacteria normally live in the intestines of people and animals. Most types of E. coli do not cause infections, but some produce a poison (toxin) that can cause diarrhea. Depending on the toxin, this can cause mild or severe diarrhea.
This condition can spread from one person to another (contagious). Toxin-producing E. coli can also spread from animals to humans. Most cases of E. coli infection come from cattle.
In some cases, this infection can cause a dangerous complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

CAUSES
Causes of an E. coli intestinal infection include:
• Eating raw or undercooked beef …show more content…

• Do not drink milk, caffeine, or alcohol.
• Eat small, frequent meals rather than large meals.
General Instructions
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after preparing food and after using the bathroom. Make sure people who live with you wash their hands often too. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Clean surfaces that you touch with a product that contains chlorine bleach.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

PREVENTION
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer. Always wash your hands:
○ After going to the bathroom.
○ Before touching food.
○ After preparing or cooking beef.
• After touching animals at farms, zoos, or fairs.
• Do not eat raw or undercooked beef.
• Do not drink unpasteurized milk or ear cheeses made with raw milk. Do not drink unpasteurized apple cider.
• Wash cutting boards, counters, and utensils after preparing raw meat.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking

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