Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) is a very common bacterium. E. Coli has many strains. Though all E.coli are not harmful, there are certain strains which are found to be harmful for humans . Those strains of E. Coli that are non pathogenic are found to reside in the intestine of humans and animals. But the pathogenic strains E. coli 0157:H7 can cause diarrhea. They also infect the genital and urinary tracts. Most of these infections are spontaneously healed and no treatment is required. But there are chances of the patient getting dehydrated. There is no vaccine available for E. coli 0157:H7 infections.Prevention of E.coli infections can be done by taking some of the common and important measures. Some of the measures include eating of well cooked foods, drinking pasteurized liquids, avoid eating contaminated food, maintain neatness in kitchen, drinking sterilized water, maintaining personal hygiene. Children should be given extra care while dealing with infectious diseases. They are more susceptible to infections; every food given to infants and children should be cooked thoroughly and made bacteria free.
Use Pasteurized Products
E. coli is found to reside in the intestine of humans and cattle. Though all E.coli are not harmful, there are certain strains which are found to be harmful for humans. So, it is important for us to ensure our safety from the infections caused by the bacteria E. Coli. Milk and juices are the unavoidable products that we use daily. Since E.Coli is a resident of the intestines of cattle,some of the bacteria have been found in the udders of cows, buffaloes, goat and sheep. So there are good chances of these bacteria to be found in the raw milk . Besides the udders, the milking equipment can also serve as the source of these bacteria. Thus to protect ourselves and our family from the infection, one should never use the raw milk for consumption. One should only use pasteurized milk, as pasteurization kills the E.coli and other micro organisms that are present in the milk. Juice concentrates that are available in the market are also pasteurized. Pasteurization also improves the quality and shelf life of liquid foods. Infants and children should be given pasteurized milk only. Care should also be taken in the case of aged people.
Thorough Wash
Fruits and vegetables may contain many surface borne bacteria. If we consume fruits and vegetables that are not washed properly, there is a potent danger of infection. Even though fruits and vegetables may appear clean and fresh , E.coli may be present on the surface of unwashed fruits and vegetables. If not washed thoroughly, these bacteria may get inside our stomach along with the fruits and vegetables and become attached to the large intestine and may produce toxins resulting in gastrointestinal distress. This condition can be harmful for infants and children. They are easily susceptible to dehydration. So, children should not be given unwashed eatables.
Maintain Clean Kitchen
If not maintained neat, kitchen becomes the best place in our home from where we can find such bacteria. Therefore, one must ensure the cleanliness of kitchen to avoid the infection caused by the bacteria E.coli. Raw meat should not be kept in close proximity to the other foods. Spoiled foods should be thrown out of the fridge immediately, so that the spread of the bacteria E.coli is restricted. Utensils used for the cooking of meat should be washed thoroughly before and after use. Children should not be allowed in the kitchen while cleaning, as there are chances of getting infections.
Cook Thoroughly
All type of meat must be thoroughly cooked. Eating meat that has not been cooked enough to kill E. coli O157:H7, can cause infection. For example, ground beef must be cooked to a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. A digital instant-read meat thermometer can be used to read the temperature. Contaminated meat does not smell bad. It looks like normal fresh meat, so to avoid the infection caused by the bacteria present in the ground beef, one must ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly and the meat turns brown from pink. Giving infants and children partially cooked meat may be fatal.Aged people are also under high risk, so care should be given to avoid having partially cooked food.
Caution While In Diseased Condition
E.coli is one of the common frequent causes of bacterial infections, such as cholecystitis, bacteremia, urinary tract infection and diarrhea.Individuals should maintain strict hygieneto prevent the infections caused by E.coli. People infected with diarrhea should wash their hands thoroughly with soap after defecation. Persons infected with diarrheal illness should not swim in public swimming pools or lakes. They should also avoid sharing baths with others. They should wash their hands thoroughly before handling the food materials or cooking. Children should be given extra care. Person changing the diapers of infants should maintain strict hygiene. Children should wash their hands thoroughly before the intake of food. E.coli is one of the common frequent causes of bacterial infections, such as cholecystitis, bacteremia, urinary tract infection and diarrhea.Individuals should maintain strict hygieneto prevent the infections caused by E.coli. People infected with diarrhea should wash their hands thoroughly with soap after defecation. Persons infected with diarrheal illness should not swim in public swimming pools or lakes. They should also avoid sharing baths with others. They should wash their hands thoroughly before handling the food materials or cooking. Children should be given extra care. Person changing the diapers of infants should maintain strict hygiene. Children should wash their hands thoroughly before the intake of food.
Drink sterilized Water
One should only drink water that has been treated with disinfectants such as chlorine and iodine. Water is a good source for the spread of communicable water borne diseases. One should never swallow the water of swimming pool or other refreshment parks, as there are chances of water getting contaminated with some micro organisms. It is always good to drink boiled water. It is extremely important that the infants and children under the age of five are given only sterilized water, which are treated with any of the disinfectants. Intake of contaminated water may result in diarrhea. Diarrhea in infants may be fatal.
Personal Hygiene
Individuals should maintain strict personal hygiene. Good hand washing is extremely important. Every member of the family should strictly wash their hands before and after having food. Every individual should take care that they are washing their hands thoroughly with soap after urination and defecation. A good rinsing of the face, hands and legs with soap after outdoor games and visit to zoo, market or other amusement parks is necessary and it should be followed strictly. Taking bath twice a day helps to maintain personal hygiene. It is a very good habit that can be developed by every individual.
