Travel Health - Dealing with Travelers' Diarrhea Caused by E Coli Bacteria
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Guide to Common Travel Health Problems - Travelers' DiarrheaCaused by The Bacteria : Escherichia coli (E Coli)diarrhea medications and electrolyte diarrhea remediesThe effects of Diarrhea (alternative spelling: diarrhoea) can last for days or weeks, causing
Escherichia coli O157:H7 and other strains of E Coli - OverviewE. coli enteritis is an inflammation of the small intestine caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. E. coli enteritis is a type of bacterial gastroenteritis. The symptoms are a result of toxins or bacterial invasion into the intestine. The incubation period (the time it takes for the germ to cause illness) is 24 - 72 hours. Different strains of E Coli account for most cases of routine traveler's diarrhea. There are hundreds of strains of E. coli, most of which are harmless (such as the varieties living in the intestines of healthy people) others cause mild to severe cases of diarrhea and other symptoms (see below). The more serious E. coli O157:H7 can live in the intestines of healthy cattle, but causes severe illness or even death in humans. Ground beef from slaughtered infected cattle may carry E. coli O157:H7, as can raw milk if the cow's udders or milking equipment are contaminated. Other food contaminations can occur as a result of contaminated water or soil, or from unsanitary food-handling processes. Symptoms of E.coliSymptoms can begin anytime from 12 hours to 5 days, they include diarrhea progressing to bloody diarrhea abdominal cramps, nausea and bloating. In infants, children and the elderly the illness can progress to cause kidney failure. Likely Contaminated Food SourcesThe food sources most likely to be contaminated include raw or undercooked ground beef, contaminated and un-chlorinated drinking water, raw fruits and vegetables (especially lettuce), salami, raw or un-pasteurized milk, and un-pasteurized apple cider or orange juice. Protect Yourself From Diarrhea Caused by E ColiCook all ground beef until there is no hint of pink left in the meat. The inside of a hamburger should be hot and the color gray or brown. Eat and drink only pasteurized milk and milk products. When traveling abroad, especially in 3rd world countries, do not drink potentially contaminated water (including ice cubes) that could be is contaminated with E.coli, or eat fruits and vegetables washed in tap water. Wash hands with soap thoroughly before eating or handling food. Hand-washing also helps to avoid the spread of infection. Treatment of E.coliThere is no direct treatment for diarrhea caused by E Coli other than rehydration with electrolyte
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