Escherichia coli bacteria, known simply as E. coli, are relatively harmless bacteria that live in your intestines. The bacteria can cause short bouts of diarrhea, a common problem in travelers to third world countries. But usually, there is no real cause for concern.
However, the Mayo Clinic reports that a few nasty strains of E. coli can cause severe health problems. The more harmful strains can produce painful, bloody diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps. Some people also experience nausea and vomiting. The worst cases can even do severe damage to your body’s internal organs, causing life-threatening conditions like kidney failure.
Can you protect yourself from E. coli and its ill effects? You can, if you follow a few simple precautions. The best way to protect yourself from E. coli is to watch what you eat and drink. You acquire this harmful bacteria when you accidentally consume it.
While person-to-person contact is a potential source of E. coli, exposure usually comes from contaminated food and water. The most common food sources of E. coli are ground beef, unpasteurized milk, and fresh produce.
When slaughtered animals, like cattle, are processed for meat, their intestinal bacteria can get into the meat. Ground beef, which uses meat from different cattle, increases the risk for E. coli. While cooking is likely to destroy the bacteria, it can easily spread throughout the beef mixture. To protect yourself, store raw meat properly and cook it well.
Unpasteurized milk is also a common E. coli source. Bacteria on a cow’s udder, or even on dairy milking equipment, can get into the raw milk. Drinking pasteurized milk decreases your chances of getting sick.
Fresh produce is also a potential source of bacteria, especially if agricultural fields are located near cattle farms. Leafy vegetables, like lettuce and spinach, are especially vulnerable to contamination. Wash all produce before eating it, and cook your vegetables properly to protect yourself from E. coli.
E. coli in contaminated water is less common in developed countries, but it can happen. Public water systems use decontamination methods that make municipal water safe for drinking. Private well water is more of a concern.
E. coli infections also occur from water that is contaminated with human or animal feces. This can happen when you accidentally drink the water. So use caution around rivers, streams, lakes, and even swimming pools.
The spread of E. coli from person to person is most common in places such as public restrooms, buffet restaurants, and petting zoos. Infections are spread when adults and children neglect to properly wash their hands. Good old soap and water is the most effective prevention of E. coli and other infections, but hand sanitizer will work in a pinch.
