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E.Coli (Escherichia Coli)
E.Coli is a bacteria that is found in our digestive system. It exists in the colon, helping with the absorption and processing of food, and vitamin K production. Most of the hundreds of strains of E.Coli are harmless, but some are pathogenic and will cause illness, like E.Coli O157:H7.
How does it spread?
You can catch E.Coli from contaminated, undercooked meat or unwashed vegetables, and it can be spread by person to person contact.
Symptoms
The illnesses caused by E.Coli vary, and depend on which strain has caused the infection. Symptoms include: bloody diarrhoea, urinary tract infections, meningitis, peritonitis, mastitis, septicemia and some types of pneumonia. Kidney failure and long term damage can occur in severe cases.
People most at risk
Everyone is at risk of E.Coli, the most vulnerable are those with weakened immune systems, the elderly and young children.
Best prevention
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, and use a hand sanitiser. Take extra care before preparing food and after contact with raw meat, unwashed vegetables and after using the toilet.
- Make sure raw and cooked food is kept separately to avoid cross contamination.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces, chopping boards and utensils after using them.
- Make sure food, bathroom and toilet areas are kept hygienically clean.
- Cloths used for cleaning should be completely disinfected by soaking in bleach.