E.coli
What is it?
- E. coli O157 is a more dangerous strain of the common E.coli bacterium usually found in the gut of healthy humans.
- It can cause severe intestinal illness
How is it spread?
- E. coli O157 gets into the body through the mouth and generally comes from the faeces of infected farm animals or people.
- It often travels on or in food, or on the hands, and can be passed from person to person via frequently touched surfaces.
Raw mince meat is a common source of E. coli O157.
Who is at risk?
- Anyone can be infected by E. coli O157 but those most at risk are children and the elderly.
Symptoms
- Severe, often bloody diarrhoea.
- In a few percent of cases of infection, life threatening kidney damage can follow.
Prevent the spread
- Pay careful attention to hygiene around food and the toilet, especially if someone develops diarrhoea.
- Wash hands thoroughly before preparing food, after handling raw meat, after using the toilet and after cleaning or coming into contact with someone who is ill.
- Avoid cross-contamination of raw and cooked foods by cleaning and disinfecting worktops, chopping board and utensils as you go.
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces especially if there is an outbreak in your local area (eg school or work).
-
Squirt bleach round your
toilet on a regular basis, and if someone in the household is vomiting or has diarrhoea do this after each time they use
the loo.
