Office of Disease Prevention - 605-773-3737 — (1-800-592-1861 in South Dakota only)
This material is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute
for medical care. We are not able to answer personal medical questions. Please see your
health care provider concerning appropriate care, treatment or other medical advice.
What is E. coli O157:H7?
E. coli 0157:H7 is one strain of the Escherichia coli bacteria. There are hundreds of strains of Escherichia coli that live in the intestines of healthy people and animals. E. coli 0157:H7 is a strain that can cause severe illness and even death.
Who gets E. coli O157:H7?
Anyone can get E. coli 0157:H7 infection.
How is it spread?
E. coli O157:H7 can be spread through undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized milk, from person to person, and untreated water supplies
What are the symptoms of E. coli O157:H7?
People infected with E. coli O157:H7 can develop severe, bloody diarrhea and painful abdominal cramps. In some people, the infection can cause a condition known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) which results in acute kidney failure, and other complications such as seizures and stroke can occur. Less than 10% of E. coli O157:H7 infections lead to HUS, but persons with this illness often require intensive care, blood transfusions, and kidney dialysis to survive. Most at risk are children under 5 and the elderly. Survivors of HUS may have high blood pressure and kidney problems later in life.
How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms can appear from three to eight days after infection, with an average of three to four days.
Where are the E. coli O157:H7 bacteria found?
E. coli O157:H7 can be present in the intestines of cattle and man. The bacteria can be present in cow's udders or in milking equipment and can be passed into raw milk. E. coli O157:H7 can be found in untreated water. The bacteria is easily passed from person to person.
Should an infected person be excluded from work or school?
People with active diarrhea who are unable to control their bowel habits (infants, young children, certain handicapped individuals) should stay home. Most infected people may return to work or school when their stools become formed provided that they carefully wash their hands after toilet visits. Food handlers, staff and children in daycare, and health care workers should obtain the approval of the state health department before returning to their routine activities. These persons should be excluded from their duties until two fecal specimens collected at least 24 hours apart are negative on culture. If antibiotics have been given, the initial culture should be obtained 48 hours after the last dose.
What is the treatment for E. coli O157:H7?
Most people will recover on their own. Primary treatment includes giving adequate fluids to prevent dehydration.
What can be done to prevent the spread of E. coli O157:H7?
Additional information about diarrheal illness
For additional information about diarrheal illness in children, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Childhood Diarrhea site. If you or your child have a diarrheal illness, remember:
