What is E. coli? The full medical term is Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacteria that is found in the intestines of humans and animals. Most of the E. coli found is harmless but there are some strains that can cause food poisoning.
E. coli can also live outside of the body for short periods of time. It is enough time to spread to other people. How do you prevent E. coli? There is no full proof way to prevent infection, but using good food preparation can help. Children tend to get E. coli infection more than adults. Most people that spread E. coli aren't even aware that they have the bacteria.
E. coli symptoms are nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, tenderness in the stomach and vomiting. Some people will have blood in their bowels. Not all people with the infection feel any illness. Because humans have such long intestinal tracts, it usually takes 7 days for the bacteria to leave the body. More sever symptoms can take up to 14 days. E. coli have been known to cause disability, kidney failure and even death.