Bloody diarrhea from an E. coli O157:H7 infection typically begins 3-4 days after exposure, although it may occur as soon as 24 hours or as late as 1 week. Diagnosing a serious E. coli infection is fairly straightforward and involves sending a stool sample to a laboratory for testing and culture. They will look for evidence of toxins and STEC strains. Unlike many other pathogenic bacteria, STEC strains can cause severe infections even if you ingest only relatively small numbers of them.
The sudden onset of severe abdominal cramps and pain is typically followed within 24 hours by bloody diarrhea. E. coli infection can occur in people of all ages, but it’s most common in children, the elderly and those who have weakened immunity. About 265,000 STEC infections occur yearly in the U. S. , with the O157:H7 strain accounting for approximately 36% of cases.
Other minor symptoms sometimes associated with E. coli infections include mild fever (less than 101˚F) and fatigue. [5] X Research source The most common source of an E. coli infection is contaminated food, such as contaminated ground beef, unpasteurized milk and unwashed vegetables.
While most people recover from HUS, a small amount of people may have permanent kidney damage or die from it. STEC infection is recognized as the most common cause of acute kidney failure in infants and young children. In addition, your doctor may order a CBC and tests of your kidneys if you have any signs of HUS.
Bright red blood in the stool is indicative of a problem in the lower digestive tract (such as the large intestine). In contrast, blood coming from the stomach or small intestine tends to make the stool appear black and tarry in appearance. The most similar condition to a STEC infection is likely ulcerative colitis (a type of inflammatory bowel disease), but that can be diagnosed by viewing the bowels through a small endoscope.
Foods that represent high risk for E. coli poisoning include undercooked (pink) hamburger, soft cheeses made from raw milk, unpasteurized milk and unpasteurized apple juice or cider. [9] X Research source Although it’s not clear why, most E. coli infections in the U. S. occur between the months of June and September. So it seems to be more of a summertime problem.
Avoid taking anti-diarrheal medication during an E. coli infection because it will slow your digestive system down and prevent your body from getting rid of the toxins. Avoid taking salicylates, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, because they can increase bleeding from the intestines.
