What is E. Coli?

E. coli - Baby Tyler
via SaveBabies.org - Baby Tyler died on Mother’s Day, May 10, 1998 because of E. coli.

E. coli is a common type of bacteria that can get into food, like beef and vegetables. E. coli is short for the medical term Escherichia coli.
Quoted from kidshealth.org

It is important to realize that not all E. coli bacteria are harmful to humans. The term E. coli applies to a number of bacteria strains present in animal and human digestive systems. Most E. coli bacteria serve a purpose as digestive aids; they are part of the helpful gut flora responsible for breaking down certain foods into more digestible sugars or proteins. One particular strain of E. coli, called E. coli O157:H7, is the form of bacteria responsible for the most serious complications associated with contaminated foods and other sources.
Quoted from wisegeek.com

How E. coli spreads?

How E. Coli Spreads
via knowledgeofhealth.com

Contaminated food.
Contaminated water.
Person-to-person contact.

E. coli Symptoms

[…] After someone ingests a sufficient quantity of E. coli O157:H7, the bacteria travels through the stomach and small intestine, and then attaches itself to the inside surface of the large intestine and causes inflammation of the intestinal wall. This inflammatory reaction is caused by toxins secreted by the bacteria […]
Quoted from About E. Coli

Abdominal Pain and severe cramps because of inflammation of the colon and discharge of blood from the blood vessels…
Profuse discharge of loose or fluid evacuations from the intestines within following 24 hours (Diarrhea)…
As the disease progresses, the diarrhea becomes watery and then may become grossly bloody…
Sometimes vomiting…
Rarely fever…
The period from ingestion of E. coli to the start of symptoms is typically 3 to 9 days but shorter and longer periods are not that unusual.

What is the E. coli Treatment?

In most infected individuals, the E. coli symptoms last about a week and resolve without any long term problems. But…

About 5-10% of infected individuals go on to develop kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. E. coli O157:H7 is responsible for over 90% of the cases of kidney failure that develop in North America.

For the acute diarrheal illness, antibiotics have not proven useful. In fact, some studies have shown that antibiotic use may increase the chances of developing hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Treatment includes the replacement of fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. Infection with E. coli 0157:H7 should be treated by a physician. Hemolytic-uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura require complex supportive care in the hospital. Patients with kidney failure may need dialysis.
Quoted from medicinenet.com

How to Protect Yourself?

Cook all ground meat, hamburger or roast beef until no pink shows in the center.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that meat is heated to at least 160 F at its thickest point.
To prevent the growth of E. Coli in your kitchen, thoroughly wash anything that comes in contact with raw meat, including your hands, counters and utensils.
Use hot, soapy water, bleach or disinfecting wipes.
Never put cooked hamburgers on the same plate you used for raw patties.
Order beef cooked medium or well-done when eating out. Be persistent about getting what you ask for, even if it means sending your food back more than once.
Drink pasteurized milk, juice and cider.
Wash raw produce thoroughly, using plenty of running water and a scrub brush or a vegetable wash.
Children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems should avoid alfalfa sprouts.
Avoid drinking untreated water from lakes and streams.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. (Pool water included.)
Make sure that family members, including children, wash their hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers and before eating.