Food Poisoning - Foodborne Pathogens
Escherichia coli H157H7 - E Coli

Escherichia coli H157H7 - E Coli

One of the primary causes of foodborne illness is Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7. While most strains of E. coli are harmless, this particular one can cause severe illness. The vast majority of cases are not fatal but the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) estimates that the illness affects 73,000 persons a year. The most common causes of infection are eating undercooked meat, drinking raw milk, or exposing oneself to contaminated water. It is often present in and on animals, and therefore farms and petting zoos are common sites of contamination. Once infected, poor hygiene can lead to its spread from person to person. Symptoms, including diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and stomach cramps, typically occur within two and eight days of exposure and it rarely takes longer than 10 days for the ill individual to recover. E. coli O157:H7 can be diagnosed by testing the stool. In fact, all bloody stool should be tested for E. coli. Treatment is usually unnecessary; most recover without any care or medication. Antibiotics should not be used, as no benefit has been demonstrated with regard to E. coli and they can have many unintended side-effects. Infection with E. coli O157:H7 is diagnosed by detecting the bacterium in the stool. All diarrhea with blood should get their stool tested for E. coli O157:H7. In increasingly rare instanced, there can be long-term side effects, such as blindness, paralsysis, and persistent kidney failure. There are many steps which can be taken to prevent the spread of e.Coli. These include thoroughly cooking al meat, particularly ground beef. This is best done with a thermometer. It is advisable, when eating out, to not eat burgers that are still pink on the inside. Rather, they should be sent back to be cooked further and one should ask for a new bun and plate as well. In the kitchen, raw meat should be handled with care, always separated from ready to eat food, and hands washed after contact. To further avoid the risk of infection, one should only drink milk, juice, or cider that has been pasteurized. This means that it has been heated to destroy the presence of any pathogens, such as E. coli. Fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed before eating; those particularly concerned should only each cooked vegetables and fruits that have been peeled. Finally, those in contact with diarrhea (whether because they themselves are ill or because they are changing diapers, etc) should thoroughly wash their hands with hot water and soap. Those with diarrheal illnesses should avoid actions that might spread the disease, such as swimming in public pools or lakes, sharing bathes, or involvement in the preparation of food.
If you think you might have a Food Poisoning case, Contact our Food Poisoning Lawyers Immediately for Help.

Food Poisoning Resource Center

Foodborne Pathogens
Common illnesses caused by or related to food.

Answers and Information
Answers to frequently asked questions about Food Poisoning.

Prevention and Safety
A guide to the prevention of Food Poisoning and the safe storage and consumption of food.

Symptoms and Complications
An overview of the symptoms and complications resulting from Food Poisoning.

Food Recalls
An overview and explanation of the Food Recall process and its implications.

Food Allergies
An overview of Food Allergies.

Find an Food Poisoning Attorney

We offer many ways to find Food Poisoning lawyers in order to best match up our lawyers with prospective clients. Detailed Food Poisoning lawyer videos help you learn more about different attorneys and their Food Poisoning practices.

FREE EVALUATION

Complete the Form Below and Talk to Experienced Food Poisoning Lawyers

Practice Area

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Okay to call at this number?

Yes No

Zipcode

Case Specifics

6224

Food Poisoning - Foodborne Pathogens Escherichia coli H157H7 - E Coli

Escherichia coli H157H7 - E Coli

Food Poisoning Resource Center

Find an Food Poisoning Attorney

Complete the Form Below and Talk to Experienced Food Poisoning Lawyers

Food Poisoning - Foodborne Pathogens
Escherichia coli H157H7 - E Coli