E. coli is a group of bacteria that are commonly found in the intestinal tract of many animals and people. Some strains are part of a healthy gut microbiome but can cause symptoms if they escape the intestinal tract and contaminate other parts of the body, such as the urinary tract.
Other types of E. coli can make you sick with diarrhea if you get them in your mouth. Six types of E. coli cause diarrheal illness in people. These include:
- Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC)
- Sometimes referred to as enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC)
- Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC)
- Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC)
- Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC)
- Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC)
- Diffusely adherent E. coli (DAEC)
Disease Facts
Anyone can get diarrhea from various strains of E. coli, but children are usually at greater risk of infection. International travel can also increase the risk of exposure to E. coli and other germs that cause diarrhea.
E. coli is spread from animals to people and between people. Contaminated food and water can also be sources of infection. E. coli can spread easily between people in certain settings, such as daycares and within households. This can be through contact with contaminated objects or direct contact with ill or recently ill persons.
Watery and sometimes bloody diarrhea can be symptoms. For certain strains of E. coli, fever, and vomiting may also be present. For more specific information, see the CDC’s website.
If your child attends daycare, they must stay home while sick with diarrhea, vomiting, and/or fever. If your child tests positive for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), keep them at home until symptoms resolve and they have two negative stool tests for STEC at least 24 hours apart and 48 hours after ending antibiotic therapy. Most older children and adults can return to work after symptoms resolve, so long as they can practice good hand hygiene, and do not work as a food handler or in a healthcare setting. See the STEC Fact Sheet for more information.
For other types of E. coli, children and adults can return to work or the daycare setting after symptoms resolve.
When someone in your household is sick with diarrhea, regularly clean and disinfect surfaces likely to be contaminated. This includes toilet seats and toilet handles, doorknobs, light switches, and diaper-changing tables. Be aware that E. coli strains that cause diarrhea (including STEC) can spread easily between people, in households, and childcare settings.
Good hand hygiene is one of the most important factors in preventing the spread of germs that cause vomiting and diarrhea. It is especially important to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water in the following situations:
- After using the bathroom
- Before preparing or eating food
- After changing diapers
- After contact with someone with diarrhea
- After contact with animals
For Healthcare Providers & Laboratories
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) is the only type of E. coli that is reportable in South Dakota. This type has been known to cause outbreaks from contaminated food and in daycare settings. STEC can cause severe illness that includes damage to the kidneys. Refer to the STEC Fact Sheet for more information.
*NOTE: Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) shares a target with shigella on some tests. Positive results for shigella are reportable to the South Dakota Department of Health.