A Warning About E-Coli Bacteria

The E-Coli toxin is a protein which causes severe damage to intestinal epithelial cells (the cells that line the wall of the intestine). The damage is so severe that if we acquire this bacterial strain, not only do we lose water and salts, blood vessels are damaged, and bleeding occurs -- lots of bleeding -- hemorrhaging.

This condition is particularly dangerous to small children -- may be lethal. Children are too small to tolerate much blood and fluid loss. It is for this reason that small children should not be allowed to become dehydrated, even in mild cases of diarrhea. The presence of this bacterium can also be very dangerous to pregnant women, the elderly or infirm.

Recently, outbreaks of E.Coli bacteria have been linked to fresh produce such as lettuce, alfalfa sprouts and unpasteurized apple cider and juices. Freshly squeezed orange juice even from Brand labels cannot be considered safe unless it is pasteurized.

Ground beef is more likely to harbor E. Coli than whole cuts. It is very important to thoroughly cook all meats and poultry and wash hands well and sanitize utensils and cutting boards in your dishwasher or with a mild bleach solution.

How can I reduce the risk of infection from E.coli?

1. Always clean any surface that has come in contact with raw meat, before any other item is placed on that surface.
2. Always thoroughly wash your hands after handling raw meat, and before you handle any other utensils or other food items.
3. Never use the same plate, tray or utensils for the cooked meat that you use for the raw meat - unless you thoroughly wash the plate, tray or utensils in-between.
4. Always cook meat, _especially_ ground meat, until the juices run absolutely clear - pink is not good enough. In fact, it is necessary for the internal temperature of a hamburger pattie to reach 160 degrees F to kill all of any contaminating E. coli.
5. In day-care centers, schools, etc., any small children with diarrhea should be carefully handled, and kept separate from all well children. All diapers, and any soiled clothing should be kept separate from all well children. The day-care worker, teacher, and health-care personnel should practice strict hygeine at all times, regardless of the health of the children.

Source: Patient education material from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology was used as a source of information to develop the content for this topic.

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