Facts about E. coli

Symptoms

The symptoms vary for each person but often include:

• Severe stomach cramps
  
• Diarrohea (often bloody)
  
• Vomiting

In some cases, these symptoms can include fever; however it is usually not very high (less than 101˚F/less than 38.5˚C). Most people get better within 5–7 days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening.

The people infected by the recent E. coli 0157 strain are likely to have had the classic symptoms linked to this strain.

A particular life-threatening complication called haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) may develop in 5-10% of people infected with a toxin-producing form of E. coli. This is a severe kidney-related complication that may, in extreme cases, lead to renal failure and a requirement for renal replacement therapy.

While the risk applies to all age groups, children may be more vulnerable to severe infections and complications because of their low tolerance of fluid and blood loss through vomiting and diarrhoea.

How does one get infected with E. coli?