While E. coli poisoning is a familiar term, many will admit to knowing very little about this disease. E. coli is a bacterium that settles in animal intestines. Cattle, which is the animal we rely on to feed our families, is the very animal that carries this deadly bacterium. E. coli is generally quarantined to the intestines. The bacterium may spread to other areas if the intestines are injured or punctured. This often occurs during slaughtering. Each year million of children and elderly people die of this disease. People of all age groups are susceptible to E. coli; however children and older ones may be affected more severely because of a low immune system.

Causes of E.Coli Poisoning

A common misconception is that beef is the only cause of E. coli. Yet, this bacterium may present itself in unpasteurized milk, juice, and contaminated water. Precautions should be taken when preparing meals for ourselves and family. Parents especially need to exercise caution because young children are prone to illnesses, and have a difficult time recovering from E. coli. Children affected with this disease are at risk for kidney failure. Sadly, children are not diagnosed early. E. coli symptoms closely resemble those of other illnesses, thus parents do not seek immediate medical attention.

When a child becomes ill with complaints of stomach problems, parents rarely consider E. coli as the culprit. Despite recent news articles and reports raising awareness to this disease, may feel that the odds of this disease affecting their family is slim. Unfortunately, we are not invincible. Occasionally we receive information about a person diagnosed with E. coli. This usually prompts us to take extra precautions to protect ourselves and family. However, once the wave of panic calms, we have the tendency of returning to old habits.