BANGOR, ME – In light of last month’s outbreak of deadly STEC strain of E. coli bacterial infections in Germany, providers at the Emergency Department at St. Joseph Hospital are advising patients to be wary of unnecessary panic, as the bulk of this outbreak is currently confined to portions of Europe. They do, however, suggest it’s always a good idea to exercise the following precautions to avoid contracting any strain of e-coli, which usually only causes a few days’ discomfort.
- Cook all types of beef, but especially ground beef, to at least 160¡F (71¡C).
- In the kitchen, wash your hands with hot, soapy water often, especially after you touch raw meat.
- Wash any tools or kitchen surfaces that have touched raw meat.
- Use only pasteurized milk, dairy, and juice products.
- Use only treated, or chlorinated, drinking water.
- When you travel to countries that may have unsafe drinking water, don’t use ice or drink tap water. Avoid raw fruits and vegetables, except those with skin that you peel yourself.
- Wash your hands often, and always wash them after you use the bathroom or change diapers.
There are many types of E. coli and most strains are relatively harmless. But some can cause bloody diarrhea. One should seek medical attention when vomiting and diarrhea are accompanied by:
- Pale skin
- Fever
- Weakness and dizziness
- Bruising
- Passing only small amounts of urine
People get an E. coli infection by coming into contact with the feces of humans or animals. This can happen by drinking water or eating food that has been contaminated by feces. The bacteria can also spread from one person to another, usually when an infected person does not wash his or her hands well after a bowel movement. E. coli can spread from an infected person’s hands to other people or to objects. The Federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends individuals who have recently traveled to Germany and who experience such symptoms get medical attention and be tested for STEC E. coli, though only three such cases have been confirmed in the U.S. as of May 31. Patients with most types of diarrhea, including the STEC variety causing severe illness in Europe, should not be given antibiotics.
