How is shiga toxin-producing E. coli spread?
Consuming meat, especially ground beef that has not been cooked enough to kill E. coli can cause infection. Contaminated meat looks and smells normal. The number of organisms required to cause disease is very small. Other sources of infection are sprouts, lettuce, spinach, salami, unpasteurized milk and juice, and swimming in or drinking water contaminated with sewage. Bacteria from loose stools can be passed from person to person if hygiene or hand washing habits are inadequate. This is particularly likely among toddlers who are not toilet trained. Family members and playmates of these children are at high risk of becoming infected. What are the symptoms of shiga toxin-producing E. coli? Symptoms may include severe bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. In some instances, there may be no symptoms or non-bloody diarrhea. Usually little or no fever is present, and the illness resolves in 5 to 10 days. Generally, people will experience symptoms 2 to 8 days after being exposed,
