Most people recover within 6 to 8 days , but it can be life-threatening in infants and people with a weakened immune system. Some other types of E. Symptoms of infection with E. However, symptoms may appear as early as 24 hours or as late as 1 week later. There is no cure for E. It has to resolve itself. Antibiotics are not advised. They may increase the risk of HUS. The exit of the urinary tract is near the anus, and so the bacteria can spread from the GI tract to the urinary tract.
The group of E. This toxin can harm the lining of the small intestine. Swallowing contaminated water : Tap water in the US is treated and contains chlorine, but some E.
Travelers to places where water may be untreated should be careful when drinking water, using ice or eating vegetables washed in water of uncertain origin. Swallowing contaminated food : Possible sources include undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized milk, juice, cider, or cheese, alfalfa sprouts or raw vegetables. Infected people who work in restaurants and do not wash their hands properly after going to the toilet can spread the infection to customers and other members of staff.
Person-to-person contact : Good hand hygiene is important in stopping the spread of infection. People with a weakened immune system are more prone to complications. This includes patients with AIDS , those taking immunosuppressive medications, and people receiving chemotherapy. Patients with decreased stomach acid , either due to stomach surgery or medicines that lower stomach acid, have a higher risk of infection. Young children and older people have a higher risk of developing serious illness and complications.
However, around 10 percent of people are at risk of developing hemolytic uremic syndrome HUS. These are mostly young children and older people. HUS is characterized by hemolysis, or a breakup of red blood cells. This can cause anemia , a low platelet count, and kidney failure. Platelets, the blood cells responsible for blood clotting, clump together within the small blood vessels of the kidneys, resulting in reduced blood flow, or ischemia.
This can eventually lead to kidney failure. Decreased platelets increase the risk of bleeding problems. Patients with these clots can also develop central nervous system CNS problems that affect the brain and spinal cord. This can lead to seizures, paralysis, brain swelling, and coma.
It is fatal in 3 to 5 percent of cases. Signs and symptoms include:. Only a few strains of E. The E. This can cause bloody diarrhea. You develop an E. Unlike many other disease-causing bacteria, E.
Because of this, you can be sickened by E. The most common way to get an E. Human and animal stool may pollute ground and surface water, including streams, rivers, lakes and water used to irrigate crops. Although public water systems use chlorine, ultraviolet light or ozone to kill E. Private water wells are a greater cause for concern because many don't have a way to disinfect water. Rural water supplies are the most likely to be contaminated.
Some people also have been infected with E. Family members of young children with E. Outbreaks have also occurred among children visiting petting zoos and in animal barns at county fairs.
But some people are more likely to develop problems than are others. Risk factors include:. Most healthy adults recover from E. Some people — particularly young children and older adults — may develop a life-threatening form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome. No vaccine or medication can protect you from E. To reduce your chance of being exposed to E. Cook this incorrectly, and you could end up with a case of E.
Nipunie Rajapakse says E. But it can get even worse. It's called OH7, which can cause bloody diarrhea and has been associated with a condition that can cause kidney damage, especially in young children. The elderly are also at higher risk for problems with E. Rajapakse says the best way to avoid a bout with the bacteria is to wash your hands and thoroughly cook your hamburgers.
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