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24th October 2024 (10 Topics)

E. coli Outbreak

Context

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. 

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