Escherichia coli Infections
What is Escherichia coli?
Escherichia coli, often called simply E. coli, is a group of bacteria. There are different types of E. coli. Some types normally live in your intestines. If these E. coli get into other parts of your body, you can get sick. If other types of E. coli get into your intestines, you can also get sick.
-
Infections in your intestines can cause diarrhea (frequent, loose, or watery poop) and pain in your belly area
-
E. coli is the most common cause of bladder infections in women
-
Most E. coli infections can be treated with antibiotics
See a doctor right away if you have diarrhea that is bloody or happens with a fever.
What causes E. coli infections?
You can get an E. coli infection in your intestines if you:
Cooked food can have E. coli in it if it wasn't cooked properly. Fresh food, such as salads, can have E. coli if it was washed in dirty water.
Touching animals in petting zoos sometimes spreads E. coli.
Different countries have different types of E. coli. If you travel to another country, you may get sick from the E. coli that are common in that country (see Traveler's Diarrhea).
E. coli O157:H7
What are the symptoms of E. coli infections?
How can doctors tell if I have an E. coli infection?
How do doctors treat E. coli infections?
How can I prevent E. coli infections?
-
Wash your hands after you use the bathroom or change a diaper
-
Always wash your hands, counters, cutting boards, and utensils after you touch raw meat
-
Cook beef to a temperature of 160°F (71°C) or higher before eating it—usually gray or brown inside, not pink or red
-
Avoid raw milk, other dairy products, and juices that aren’t pasteurized (a heat treatment that kills bacteria)
-
Avoid swallowing water in lakes, ponds, streams, or pools
