E. Coli

Escherichia Coli are harmful bacteria that can lead to diarrhoea, kidney failure, fever, stomach cramps and vomiting. Commonly known as E. Coli, you can be infected by swallowing small amounts of the bacteria, which can be found on surfaces touched by contaminated water, milk or meat.

How can you prevent E.Coli?

Practice proper hygiene, especially good handwashing.

Wash your hands thoroughly:

• After using the bathroom
• Before and after preparing or eating food
• After contact with animals or their environments (at farms, zoos, fairs, even your own pets)
• Before preparing and feeding bottles or foods to your baby
• Before touching an infant or toddler’s mouth, or things that go into an infant or toddler’s mouth (such as pacifiers and toys)
• After changing diapers
• If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitiser to reduce the number of germs on hands

Food preparation:

• Wash fruits and vegetables well with water
• Cook meat thoroughly
• Avoid cross-contamination in food preparation areas. Thoroughly wash and sanitise surfaces that come into contact with raw meat
• Do not consume raw milk or unpasteurized dairy products.

Playing:

• Avoid swallowing water when swimming
• Avoid swallowing water when playing in lakes, ponds, streams, or rivers

If you have eaten or drank something that contains E. Coli, you will usually  feel sick after 3 to 4 days. See a doctor, especially if you experience more than 3 days of diarrhea, or experience a high fever and heavy vomiting.