Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium found naturally in the gut and urinary tract, but can also be acquired through the consumption of contaminated food, which can lead to the onset of symptoms characteristic of an intestinal infection, such as severe diarrhea. , abdominal discomfort, vomiting and dehydration, for example.
Symptoms of E. coli infection appear a few hours after infection and anyone can become infected, but E. coli is more common to develop severely in children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. To avoid contamination by Escherichia coli, it is important to take certain precautions, such as:
- It is important to wash your hands with soap and water.
- Rubbing yourself between your fingers after going to the bathroom.
- Before cooking the meal.
- And after changing your diaper to your baby with diarrhea.
- For example.
- This way.
- Even if it is not possible to check the stool traces in your hands.
- They are always cleaned properly.
Watch the video below and find out how to wash your hands thoroughly
E. coli bacteria may be present in the intestines of animals such as oxen, cows, sheep and goats, so milk and meat from these animals must be cooked before consumption, and it is also important to wash their hands after handling them. . of these foods. All milk purchased in the markets is already pasteurized, being safe for consumption, but you can be wary of milk extracted directly from the cow because it may be contaminated.
The main form of contamination is fecal-oral contact, so the person infected with E. coli should separate their glass, dish, cutlery and towels to avoid the risk of transmitting the bacteria to others.
Before eating fruits with skin, lettuce and tomato, for example, they should be immersed in a basin with water and sodium hypochlorite or bleach for about 15 minutes, as it is possible to eliminate not only Escherichia coli, but also other microorganisms that may be present in the food.
Boiled or filtered water is suitable for drinking, but it is not recommended to drink water from a well, river, stream or waterfall without boiling it for 5 minutes, as it may be contaminated with bacteria.
Those who work on livestock farms or farms should wear gloves when coming into contact with the faeces of these animals, as they have an increased risk of Escherichia coli infection.
The first symptoms of bacterial infection are nausea and discomfort, but within a few hours other signs and symptoms, such as severe vomiting and diarrhea, may appear, which may contain snot or blood, for example. In some cases, there may also be a low fever. Learn how to identify symptoms of E. coli infection.
Treatment of intestinal infections caused by E. coli lasts an average of 7 to 10 days and should be indicated by the doctor, and the use of acetaminophen and antibiotics may be recommended. During treatment it is important to eat easy-to-digest foods such as vegetable soup, mashed potatoes, carrots or pumpkin, with shredded chicken and a little olive oil.