E+coli

=__ **What is E coli?** __= E coli is short for Escherichia coli. E coli are a large assortment of bacteria**[1]**. Most E coli are found in the intestines of animals and people. E coli can cause serious illnesses such as blood or urinary infections, or severe intestinal illnesses. In most cases E coli infections begin with abdominal cramps and watery diarrhea that may turn bloody within a few days. Most patients are able to recover within a week, although some infections may cause [|anemia]**[8]** and damage to the kidneys and few patients will die**[2]**. In most cases E coli is harmless**[3]**.E coli can be taken into your body by eating food that contains it or drinking something that contains it. E coli is more commonly in green foods. The E coli doesn't make the food look, taste, or feel any different at all. Once E coli is in the body it starts to create a substance that is like poison to the human body. In most cases people who have E coli dismiss it as a regular stomach virus mostly because the symptoms are delayed. E coli can be very dangerous sometimes.**[4]** E coli are often times in uncooked meat. =[p1]= = __ Where is E coli found? __ =

E.coli is found in the lower intestains of most mammals. It can survive outside the body for a short time. E. coli is found in mostly green foods that we eat.**[5]** When E. coli is in the intestines it helps breaks down and digest the food you ate**.[6]** E coli is often times found in the feces of humans and animals.**[7]** =__How is E coli treated?__=

An e coli infection will usually go away on its own. One of the best treatments is to make yourself comfortable and drink lots of water. It is very important to drink lots of water because diarrhea will cause your body to lose more water than normal. A good way to give your body enough water is to drink small, frequent sips of water. If your body loses too much water it may lead to dehydration**.[7]**

=__How do I prevent an E coli Infection?__=

E coli is not a disease you want to catch. To help prevent an E coli infection remember these tips;
 * When in the kitchen be sure that you are washing your hands with soapy, hot water often. Be especially sure to wash your hands after touching raw meat.
 * Make sure to wash any tools or surfaces that have touched raw meat.
 * Only use [|pasteurized]**[7]** milk, dairy, and juice products.
 * Drink only chlorinated water.
 * Wash your hands often, and always after you use the bathroom or change a dipper.**[7]**

=__How do you get an E coli infection?__=

You can get an E coli infection by coming in contact with the feces of humans or animals. This may happen if you eat or drink any food or drink that has been contaminated with feces. E coli sometimes get into meat while it is being processed. If infected meat isn't cooked to 160°F (71°C) E coli bacteria may survive and could cause an E coli infection. Sometimes water contaminated with feces can be spread to lakes, pools, and water supplies. If you swim in a lake or pool with contaminated water you could become infected with E coli and possibly die like the girl in the gray area. If a town's water supply becomes contaminated with E coli and is not properly treated with chlorine you could get an E coli infection.**[7]**

__Source__ [3] Ashworth, William, and Charles E. Little. "//Escherichia coli// (environmental science)." //Encyclopedia of Environmental Studies//, New Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2001. //Science Online//. Facts On File, Inc.  (accessed December 18, 2008). **[5]** Escherichia coli. Wikipedia 17 December 2008
 * [1]** Escherichia coli, 27 March 2008, CDC, 19 December 2008,< http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/stec_gi.html#1>
 * [2]** Swerdlow, David L. "E. coli." __World Book Online Reference Center__. 2008. [Place of access.] 16 Dec. 2008 .
 * [4]** How safe is your food?, January 22, 2007, SIRS discover, December 16 2008, < http://discoverer.prod.sirs.com/discoweb/disco/do/article?urn=urn%3Asirs%3AUS%3BARTICLE%3BART%3B0000258986>
 * [6]** E. coli 2007 kidshealth, January 6, 2009 http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/food/ecoli.htmlth
 * [7]** __E coli infection.__ 2009. yahoo.com. January 7, 2009 
 * [p1]** E Coli magnaified minister of publuc works and government services Canada 2002 [|E coli]
 * [8]** __Anemia.__ January 2006. Kids Health. January 8, 2009. http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/anemia.html

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