Microsoft word - facts about e.coli.doc

NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center 1-800-367-2229 www.healthychildcarenc.org
Facts about E.coli 0157:H7

What is E.coli? E. coli O157:H7 is one of hundreds of strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli.
Most strains are harmless and live in the intestines of healthy humans and animals. This strain
produces a powerful toxin and can cause severe illness.

Spread through contact with
• Water and food contaminated by E.coli: ground beef, sprouts, lettuce, unpasturized milk • Diarrhea from an infected person. Young toddlers with E.coli can spread the infection
easily in child care and at home. Reminder: Diarrhea is an increase in the number of
stools (bowel movements) over what is considered normal for that person AND stools
that are unformed – loose, watery, and take the shape of the container they are in (do not
have distinct form).
Incubation period
• Symptoms usually appear 3-4 days after exposure. Symptoms may appear in 2-8 days. Contagious period
• From the initial period of diarrhea and up to 2-3 weeks after symptoms are gone. Symptoms
• Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea • Abdominal cramps • Usually no fever Potential serious complications for young children with E.coli infection:
• Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) destroys red blood cells and may result in sudden, short-term kidney failure. Blood transfusions and several dialysis sessions may be needed. Most children recover. Diagnosis:
• A culture is used to detect E.coli bacterium in a stool (bowel movement) sample. Treatment and Recovery:
• Most recover in 5-10 days without antibiotics. Antibiotics may precipitate kidney • Anti-diarrheal medications such as Imodium should be avoided.
• For people with HUS, hospitalization is usually required for treatment.
Preventing the Spread of E.coli
• Store raw meat separate from ready-to-eat-food.
• Cook raw food, especially ground beef, thoroughly.
• Drink pasteurized milk and juice.
• Wash hands after toileting or diapering and before eating.
Issues in Child Care
• Children and staff with symptoms and those with positive stool cultures must be • All hygiene and sanitation procedures should be carefully followed. Wash hands. Keep
diapers and clothes soiled with stool separate and out of children’s reach.
• Upon entering a child care facility everyone should wash their hands. • Food preparation guidelines for hygiene and sanitation should be carefully followed. • E.coli is a reportable communicable disease. It takes the cooperation of the facility, families, communities and the local health department to control an outbreak of E.coli.
References:
E.coli, Shiga Toxin-Producing Infection. NC Communicable Disease Control Manual
Escherichi coli 0157:H7. CDC, Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases

Source: http://www.healthychildcarenc.org/PDFs/facts_about_ecoli.pdf