E coli Infection in Children

E coli is a common bacteria found inside people and animals. But certain strains of E coli are harmful and can cause severe illness in people. You or your child can be infected by swallowing food or water that contain the bacteria. Contamination occurs when food or water comes in contact with stool from infected humans and animals. The foods that have been involved with E coli outbreaks include meat (especially ground beef), sprouts, lettuce, salami, and unpasteurized milk and juice.

What Are Common Symptoms of E coli Infection?

The following symptoms can appear 2–5 days after infection:

• Watery or bloody diarrhea

• Severe abdominal cramps

• Nausea

• Tiredness

• Fever

Your child can also be infected and have no symptoms at all.

How Is E coli Infection Diagnosed?

The doctor examines your child. A stool sample is requested to check for the presence of E coli. More than one stool sample may be needed.

How Is E coli Infection Treated?

• The illness can last 5–10 days.

• Antibiotics (medications that kill bacteria) may be prescribed if needed. But most children get better with no medical treatment. If antibiotics are prescribed, be sure your child finishes ALL of the medication.

• Don’t give your child antidiarrheal medication unless told to by a doctor. It can make the illness last longer and decrease the body’s ability to get rid of E coli.

• Give your child plenty of water or a children’s electrolyte solution to drink. This helps prevent dehydration.

• It may take several weeks for the bacteria to clear from your child’s body even after symptoms have gone away.

Note: E coli can cause a severe complication in young children (5 years and under) called hemolytic uremic syndrome. This condition destroys platelets and red blood cells, and leads to kidney failure. Take your child to the ER immediately if he or she has any of the following symptoms:

• Decreased urination

• Swelling of the feet, hands, or face (from fluid buildup)

• Seems very tired, slow-moving, or doesn’t respond

• Cries and can’t be consoled

• Fever over 100.4°F

• Seizures

How Can E coli Infection Be Prevented?

Follow these steps to lessen the chances of getting or passing E coli infection:

Cook meats well, especially ground beef, to prevent transmission of E coli.

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water often. Do this before preparing meals, and after going to the bathroom, changing diapers, or handling pets. Teach your child to do the same.

• Use a food thermometer when cooking. Cook poultry to at least 165°F. Cook pork and ground meats to at least 160°F. Cook beef or lamb to at least 145°F.

• Wash or peel produce before eating.

• Drink only pasteurized milk, juices, and ciders.

• Wash cutting boards and utensils with hot water and soap after each use. Clean kitchen counters with bleach or disinfectant.

• Don’t swallow or drink water from pools, lakes, streams, or rivers. When camping, or traveling outside the country, avoid drinking or cooking with water unless you know it’s safe. If needed, boil water for at least 1 minute(s) before using it.

• If you drink well water, have it tested once a year for germs, including E coli.