E. coli Is:
- A form of bacteria that commonly lives in the human body.
- One strain releases a toxin that can cause severe illness.
- The germ is present in uncooked beef, unpasteurized milk and juice, and on raw sprouts and lettuce.
Symptoms Include:
- Abdominal cramps.
- Severe, often bloody, diarrhea.
- Kidney failure in the young, elderly or people with weak immune systems.
If You Have An E. Coli Infection:
- You don’t need to take antibiotics.
- It will probably go away in five to 10 days.
- Young children and the elderly could be hospitalized to treat kidney failure.
Every Year In The U.S.:
- Approximately 73,000 people contract E. coli.
- Approximately 61 people die from the infection.
Ways to prevent contracting E. coli:
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
- Cook all ground beef and meat.
- Drink only pasteurized milk and juice.
- Don’t swallow water in lakes or public pools.
If You Get E. Coli, Try To Avoid Infecting Others:
- Don’t prepare food for others.
- Bathe alone.
- Don’t swim in public places.