Escherichia coli O157:H7

What is Escherichia coli O157:H7?

Escherichia coliO157:H7 (called E. coli) bacteria are found naturally in the intestines of cattle, poultry and other animals. If people become infected with these bacteria, the infection can result in serious illness. Several other types of E. coli can also infect people and cause illness.

What are the symptoms of E. coli infection?

Symptoms can develop within hours and up to 10 days after ingesting the bacteria, characterized by severe abdominal cramping. Some people may also have bloody diarrhea (hemorrhagic colitis). Others infected with the bacteria may not get sick or show symptoms, but they can carry the bacteria, and spread the infection to others.

How serious is the infection?

Most people recover within seven to 10 days, but up to 15 percent develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), an unusual type of kidney failure and blood disorder, which can be fatal. Symptoms of HUS vary, depending on the person’s health and the extent of the infection. Some people may have seizures or strokes and some may need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis. Others may live with side effects like permanent kidney damage. Although everyone is susceptible to E. coli infection, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, young children and the elderly are most at risk for developing serious complications.

How does the bacteria spread?

E. coli bacteria can sometimes contaminate the surface of meat when animals are slaughtered, despite precautions. In highly processed or ground meat, the mechanical process can spread the bacteria through the meat. Raw fruits and vegetables can become contaminated with pathogens while in the field, by improperly composted manure, contaminated water, wildlife and poor hygienic practices of the farm workers.

E. coli bacteria are most often spread from person-to-person. Both animals and people infected with the bacteria can be carriers. Therefore, proper hygiene, safe food handling and preparation practices are key to preventing foodborne illness. If you think you are infected with E. coli bacteria or any other gastrointestinal illness, do not prepare food for other people unless you wear disposable gloves and follow safe food handling procedures. It’s also a good idea to keep pets away from food storage and preparation areas.

Foodsafe tip: Gloves can pick up bacteria too. Change gloves frequently and wash gloved hands as often as bare hands.

Where has E. coli O157:H7 been found?

Food can become contaminated with E. coli during the slaughter and processing of an animal, when food is handled by a person infected with E. coli or from cross-contamination because of unsanitary food handling practices. The following listed below have been responsible for foodborne illnesses:

ground beef
raw fruits and vegetables, including sprouts
untreated water
unpasteurized (raw) milk and (raw) milk products, including raw milk cheese
unpasteurized apple juice/cider
petting zoos

Should I eat unpasteurized products?

Pasteurization destroys E. coli O157:H7 and other harmful bacteria. If you choose to eat or drink unpasteurized dairy products or drink unpasteurized juice/cider, be aware! Food safety experts don’t recommend unpasteurized products, particularly for young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. It’s safest to drink only pasteurized dairy products. Drink juice/cider that is shelf-stable or labelled as pasteurized, or boil unpasteurized juice/cider before you drink it.

Will cooking destroy the bacteria?

Like many other harmful bacteria that could be in our food, E. coli O157:H7 are destroyed when food is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Use a digital food thermometer to measure the internal temperature of your food.