Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria normally live in the intestines of healthy people and animals. Most varieties of E. coli are harmless or cause minimal issues. However, there are strains that causes significant damage. For example, E. coli O157: H7 causes severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting.
E.Coli Infection Causes
Raw vegetables and undercooked ground beef are the two many culprits of E. coli. Healthy adults usually have a quick recover, however young children and older adults have a greater risk of developing a life-threatening form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Among the many strains of E. coli, only a few trigger diarrhea. One group of E. coli, which includes O157:H7 produces a powerful toxin that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage causes bloody diarrhea. Unlike many other disease-causing bacteria, E. coli can cause an infection even after disgesting minmal traces of the bacteria. So, this could be a mouthful of contaiminated pool water.
The most common way to acquire an E. coli infection is by eating contaminated food. This most common foods are:
- Ground beef combined meat from different animals thus increasing risk of contaimination. Plus, when a rancher slaughters and processes cattle, E. coli can get in their intestines and transfer to the meat.
- Unpasteurized milk has E. coli since the bacteria exists on a cow’s udder or on milking equipment. Then, it can transfer into raw milk.
- Fresh produce is also at risk of the bacteroa. There runoff from cattle farms can contaminate fields where farmers grow fresh produce. Spinach and lettuce are more vulnerable to contamination.
E. coli contaimation also exists in streams, rivers, lakes and irrgation water. Normally, it is due to the pollution of water surfaces from human and animal feces. Although public water systems use chlorine, ultraviolet light or ozone to kill E. coli, researchers have linked some outbreaks to contaminated municipal water supplies. Private wells increase the risk of contracting the bacteria since they don’t often have any disinfecting system. Rural water supplies are the most likely to be contaminated. Some people also have been infected after swimming in pools or lakes contaminated with feces.
After exposure, illness can come in one day or a week later. Symptoms include:
- Diarrhea (may range from mild and watery to severe and bloody)
- Abdominal cramping, pain or tenderness
- Nausea and vomiting, in some people
Most healthy adults recover from E. coli illness within a week. Some people may develop a life-threatening form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome. The CDC estimates the bacteria causes 2,000 hospitalizations each year. Plus, 10% go on to develop more serious complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS can cause kidney failure, damage to the central nervous system, and ultimately death.
Help after an E.Coli Infection
When you experience side effects from severe food poisoning, it can have devastating effects on your entire life. A verdict or settlement could also provide compensation for your injuries and damages. The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is currently accepting E.Coli infection injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by an outbreak of E.Coli poisoning, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation.