A deadly outbreak of E. coli (E. coli O157:H7 strain) in the US, linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has swept across 10 states, leaving one person dead and dozens hospitalised.
About E.coli:
coli is a bacterium found in the intestines of animals and in the environment, including water and food.
People can get sick from coli poisoning when they consume contaminated foods or through contact with animals, the environment or other people who are infected.
While many strains are harmless, some can lead to serious illness.
coli O157:H7 strain produces a toxin that can result in severe diarrhoea, kidney failure, and other serious health issues.
Severe cases can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening complication affecting the kidneys.
Symptoms: Fever, stomach cramps, and bloody diarrhoea, and the incubation period for E. coli is relatively short, with symptoms appearing within a few days of infection.
colican be contagious. It can spread from person to person, especially through improper hand hygiene after using the bathroom or changing diapers.