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Escherichia Coli O157:H7
Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 can cause an infection of the intestines. These bacteria are found in the digestive tract of some beef and dairy cattle, where they can get into milk, or into meat during the slaughtering process. In humans, the bacteria produce a toxin, which can cause diarrhea. In rare cases, people can also develop Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is a serious complication of E. coli O157:H7 infection. HUS is more common in children than adults.
Symptoms
Symptoms
Watery or severe bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and low-grade fever. Some people may have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. In some cases, people infected with these bacteria can develop HUS, a serious disease that affects the kidneys and blood clotting system. HUS is marked by decreased frequency of urination, feeling tired, and the loss of the pink in the cheeks and inside the lower eyelid.
Watery or severe bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and low-grade fever. Some people may have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. In some cases, people infected with these bacteria can develop HUS, a serious disease that affects the kidneys and blood clotting system. HUS is marked by decreased frequency of urination, feeling tired, and the loss of the pink in the cheeks and inside the lower eyelid.
Spread
By consuming undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk or fruit juices, and untreated water. E.coli can easily spread from person-to-person, especially from children in diapers.
E. coli O157:H7 is spread through the fecal-oral route. This is when the infected child's stool gets in contact with another object, surface, or person. Often the child has contaminated fingers which then touch the object and another child touches or puts that object in their mouth. E.coli can be spread from contaminated hands of caregivers as well.
Cases have occurred after visits to sites with animals (petting zoos, pet stores, farms) and swallowing lake water while swimming.
Spread
By consuming undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk or fruit juices, and untreated water. E.coli can easily spread from person-to-person, especially from children in diapers.
E. coli O157:H7 is spread through the fecal-oral route. This is when the infected child's stool gets in contact with another object, surface, or person. Often the child has contaminated fingers which then touch the object and another child touches or puts that object in their mouth. E.coli can be spread from contaminated hands of caregivers as well.
Cases have occurred after visits to sites with animals (petting zoos, pet stores, farms) and swallowing lake water while swimming.
Contagious Period
As long as the bacteria are present in the stool, a person can pass the germ on to other people. In many children, the bacteria can be found in the stool two to three weeks after the start of the symptoms.
Contagious Period
As long as the bacteria are present in the stool, a person can pass the germ on to other people. In many children, the bacteria can be found in the stool two to three weeks after the start of the symptoms.
Exclusion
Child care: Children can return once symptoms have resolved. Childcare workers should have two consecutive negative stool cultures, at least 24 hours apart, for E.coli O157:H7. If the person received treatment then these tests should be 48 hours from treatment completion.
School: None, unless the child is not feeling well and/or has diarrhea that requires frequent trips to the bathroom. Exclusion may be necessary during outbreaks.
Anyone with E. coli O157:H7 should not go in lakes, pools, splash pads, waterparks, or hot tubs until 2 weeks after diarrhea has stopped.
Exclusion
Child care: Children can return once symptoms have resolved. Childcare workers should have two consecutive negative stool cultures, at least 24 hours apart, for E.coli O157:H7. If the person received treatment then these tests should be 48 hours from treatment completion.
School: None, unless the child is not feeling well and/or has diarrhea that requires frequent trips to the bathroom. Exclusion may be necessary during outbreaks.
Anyone with E. coli O157:H7 should not go in lakes, pools, splash pads, waterparks, or hot tubs until 2 weeks after diarrhea has stopped.
Causes
Causes
E. coli O157:H7 bacteria.
Incubation
On average, it takes three to four days for symptoms to develop after exposure, but it can be as long as 10 days. If HUS develops, it typically starts seven days after the first symptoms appear.
Incubation
On average, it takes three to four days for symptoms to develop after exposure, but it can be as long as 10 days. If HUS develops, it typically starts seven days after the first symptoms appear.
Prevention/Control
Prevention/Control
Thoroughly cook all ground beef until it is brown, not pink, inside. Internal temperature of 160 degrees kills bacteria. Do not drink unpasteurized milk or fruit juice. Wash all fruits and vegetables well under running water.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming or playing in water from lakes, ponds, streams, splash pads, swimming pools, and backyard “kiddie” pools.
Frequent, careful hand washing by child care staff, children and household members.
Anyone with E. coli O157:H7 should not use swimming pools, beaches, water parks, spas or hot tubs until two weeks after the diarrhea has stopped.
Clean, rinse with clean water, then disinfect contaminated areas (diapering area, toilets, potty chairs) and sanitize toys at least daily and when soiled.
If you are visiting an animal exhibit, wash hands often.
Hand washing stations
• Find out where hand washing stations are located
• Always wash hands right after petting animals or touching the animal enclosure, especially before eating and drinking
• Running water and soap are best. Use hand sanitizers if running water and soap are not available. Be sure to wash hands with soap and water as soon as a sink is available
• Always wash hands upon exiting animal areas even if you did not touch an animal, after going to the restroom, before eating and drinking, before preparing food and drinks, and after removing soiled clothing or shoes
Food and drinks
• Keep food and drinks out of animal areas
• Food should be prepared, served, and eaten only in areas where animals are not permitted (with the exception of service animals)
• Do not share your food with animals
• Do not eat or drink raw (unpasteurized) dairy products or apple ciders
Children
• Children younger than 5 years old need supervision
• Never allow children to put their hands or objects (e.g.: pacifiers) in their mouth while interacting with animals
• Hand washing should be supervised
• Do not take or use strollers, bottles, pacifiers, spill-proof cups or toys in animal areas
• Children younger than 5 years old, elderly persons and persons with weakened immune systems should use special precautions when around animal exhibits
Source: CDC Health Pets Health People https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/index.html
Is it Reportable?
Is it Reportable?
Provider: This disease is reportable to the local or state health department
Parents/guardians: Inform your school/child care provider if your child has this illness
Disease Information Print out
Disease Information Print out
E. Coli O157H7.pdf
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