E. coli Outbreak

On 30th May 2011, an Escherichia coli (E. coli) outbreak was reported in Germany. The outbreak killed 14 and left more than 300 seriously ill. Most of the deaths were from northern Germany. The German government has identified the pathogen as hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication of a type of E. coli. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has confirmed that this HUS outbreak is the largest in the world of its kind. E coli. affects the blood, kidneys, and in severe cases, the nervous system. On 31st May 2011, the number of deaths rose to 16 and reached 18 on 8th June 2011. One can be infected by E. coli if one consumes:

• undercooked ground beef (the inside is pink)
• contaminated/impure water
• unpasteurised/raw milk
• contaminated food

To prevent infection, it is advised for one to cook all food properly and make sure that the temperature of the food is high enough to kill the bacteria. It is also advisable to practice proper hygiene so as to not infect other people with E. coli in the event that one is inected with E. coli.

Symptoms of E. coli infection start 7 days after infection. Sudden severe abdominal cramps are the first signs of infection. After a few hours, watery diarrhea starts. The diarrhea lasts for 1 day, then changes to bright red bloody stools. The bloody stools lasts 2 to 5 days. If you have any of these symptoms, you should visit a doctor straight away.