What is the Bacteria Behind Recent E Coli Outbreaks?

Understanding the Bacteria Behind Recent Outbreaks: E. Coli

Recent outbreaks have brought Escherichia coli (E.coli) into the spotlight once again. Between Listeria being in the news and E.coli, I think it is important to understand what those different bacteria are. From organic carrot recalls, to McDonald’s onion contamination, this bacterium continues to pose risks to public health. Dr. Aaron Workman, a team member of one of the highest rated car accident medical care organizations in Kentucky, speaks candidly on what exactly is E.coli, and how you can protect yourself and your family.

The Bacterial Culprit

E.coli is a type of bacterium that naturally lives in the intestines of humans and animals. While most strains are harmless and even beneficial for digestion, certain strains can cause illness. The worst of those is a strain labeled 0157:H7. It produces a nasty toxin that can lead to severe sickness, which includes diarrhea, severe cramps, and in severe cases, kidney failure.

Transmission

It is hard to contain a bacterium without understanding how it spreads. This one spreads through contaminated food, water, or contact with infected individuals or animals. Improper food handling, poor farming practices, and cross-contamination in kitchens are the most common problems.

Symptoms

Symptoms of an E.coli infection usually appear within 1 to 10 days of exposure and can vary in severity. You may find yourself with diarrhea (possible bloody), stomach cramps and pain, nausea and vomiting or even a mild fever. Most people recover from this misery in a week or so, but for those more vulnerable groups like young children, elderly, or immune compromised people they can be more at risk for life threatening issues that affect the kidneys.

How to Reduce Risks

1. Wash your produce thoroughly. Rinse fruits and vegetables under running water, even if they are peeled.
2. Cook food properly. Read your labels and do what the labels say paying attention to temperatures. Make sure your meat is cooked at the proper temperature.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food, especially if you have been in public places. Clean kitchen surfaces, cutting boards, and utensils after each use.
4. To avoid cross contamination, you should have designated cutting boards for raw meat, and one for produce.
5. Keep track of food recalls and outbreaks to know what to avoid.

Recent Outbreaks

McDonald’s Onion Outbreak: Most sick people in this outbreak ate a McDonald’s item containing fresh, slivered onions before they got sick. There were a reported 104 cases, 34 hospitalizations and one death.

Carrot Recall: Even organic produce is not immune to contamination. Poor composting or exposure to contaminated water can introduce harmful bacteria to otherwise healthy foods. As of November 16^th, 2024, Grimmway Farms recalled multiples sizes and brands of bagged organic baby and whole carrots. These may be in your house in preparation for the upcoming holidays so be aware. So far, we have 39 cases, 14 hospitalizations and one death.

If you are curious about current and past outbreaks you can find the CDC’s website that lists E.coli outbreaks and researches each individual one.

E.coli serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of safely bringing food from the farm, to processing and finally to your table. While outbreaks will continue to occur, it is best to understand the symptoms and transmission of E.coli so you can minimize your risk. By staying informed on recent outbreaks while focusing on proper food handling hygiene you can enjoy your food with more peace of mind.

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Tampa
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Plant City
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Brandon
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Lakeland
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Sarasota
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Louisville
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Lexington
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Florence