E. coli's Illness Cycle

The illness cycle of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157) begins when the bacteria are ingested through contaminated food or water. Once in the body, E. coli O157 can cause a range of symptoms, including:

Incubation period: After ingestion, it can take 2 to 5 days for symptoms to develop, known as the incubation period.

Abdominal pain and diarrhea: The most common symptoms of E. coli O157 infection are abdominal pain and diarrhea, which can be bloody.

Dehydration: As a result of the diarrhea, the body can become dehydrated, causing symptoms such as dry mouth, dark urine, and fatigue.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): In some cases, the bacteria can produce toxins that can damage the walls of blood vessels, leading to a condition called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS can cause a range of serious symptoms, including anemia, low platelet count, and kidney failure.

The severity of E. coli O157 infection can vary widely, from mild symptoms to life-threatening complications. People with weakened immune systems, such as young children and older adults, are at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms.

Treatment for E. coli O157 infection typically involves supportive care, such as hydration and rest, to help the body recover from the symptoms. In some severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary for monitoring and treatment. To prevent E. coli O157 infection, it is important to practice good food safety habits, such as thoroughly washing hands and raw produce, cooking meats to safe temperatures, and avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.