With the recent news of a four-year-old child dying of an E coli infection contracted at a daycare center, many parents are wondering what exactly E coli is and how they can protect their child from coming in contact with it.
E Coli is a bacteria normally found in the intestinal tract of both humans and animals. There are several different strains of E coli and most are harmless. There are several strains of E coli that can cause bloody diarrhea and lead to complications of kidney failure or even death especially among the very young or the elderly.
Most people agree there is a chance of undercooked meat being contaminated with E Coli but as several different food recalls have recently brought to light, E coli can also contaminate unwashed vegetables, and unpasteurized juices.
Foods become contaminated when human or animal waste (feces) contaminated with E coli come in contact with food or enters a water supply.
Not everyone will show signs of an E coli infection but may still pass the infection along to others more at risk for serious illness from the E coli. Person to person transmission can be easily avoided by washing hands after bathroom visits.
Symptoms of E Coli Infection
While there are some people who will show no symptoms of an E Coli infection, the most common symptoms include cramping, nausea and vomiting. Blood in the stool is a major indicator of an E Coli infection as well as other potentially serious health problems and should always be assessed by a doctor as soon as possible, especially in otherwise healthy babies and young children.
Symptoms of an E coli infection may not become apparent for up to ten days after becoming infected. The symptoms are common with other illnesses and may not be diagnosed correctly or simply treated as a common stomach upset.
In young children there is always the risk that an E coli infection can lead to serious blood or kidney problems. For those with complications that may lead to kidney damage or even death there are addition symptoms of pale skin, unexplained bruising, weakness, listlessness, fever and passing only small amounts of urine.
Testing for E coli Infection
If your doctor suspects an E coli infection, he will need a stool sample to test for the presence of E coli.
Any symptoms of bloody stools, or decreased urine in young children should immediately be brought to the attention of your child’s doctor.
Treating an E coli Infection
It is important NOT to use over the counter medications for diarrhea if an E coli infection is expected as this can cause an increased risk of complications by allowing the bacteria to remain longer.
Encourage frequent sips of fluids to avoid dehydration and monitor your child for fever, paleness, unexpected bruising or other signs of complications. Report any new symptoms to your doctor immediately.
Most children without complications will recover in a week to ten days.
Antibiotics are not recommended for treating E coli infections.
Children should not return to school or daycare until they are given two stool exams and shown to be clear of any further E coli to prevent infecting others.
Preventing exposure to E coli
Good hand-washing is the number one key to preventing person to person contamination from E coli.
Wash hand after every bathroom trip.
Parents and caregivers wash hands after diaper changes to young babies.
Prevent exposure to E-coli in foods by always cooking meats thoroughly.
Always use pasteurized milk, dairy products and juices.
Wash all produce before using.
When swimming is open water such as lakes, be sure the water has been deemed safe for swimming.
Be sure pools and hot tubs have been sanitized and are chlorinated properly.
Reference:
E coli Infection. WebMD.Com
E coli Infection. FamilyDoctor.org
