About E. coli

E. coli O157 is a bacterium that infects the intestinal tract and may produce a toxin that affects other parts of the body. Symptoms include diarrhea, which often is bloody, and severe abdominal cramps and will typically appear 3-4 days following exposure to the bacteria. Some people may become infected but do not have symptoms. In children infected with E.coli O157 about one third will carry and shed the bacteria in their bowel movements for up to several weeks after symptoms resolve.



Anyone can become infected with E. coli O157 by having contact with fecal material from infected people or animals (especially cattle) or eating contaminated food or water. RoAnn Warden, Green County Health Officer, stated that good hand washing and thorough sanitizing of homes, schools and businesses are needed to prevent the spread of this disease.

The Green County Health Department recommends the following:

• Keep your child home from school/daycare if they are ill.

• Teach and supervise your child for good hand washing. Make sure they are using soap and warm water when washing their hands. Children and adults should always wash their hands before they eat and after using the bathroom.

• Watch your child for gastrointestinal symptoms over the next few weeks. If your child or someone else in your household develops diarrhea that contains blood or mucous, or is watery or less formed with greater occurrence than usual, contact your health care provider. Explain to your health care provider that there has been cases of E. coli O157 identified at Abe Lincoln Elementary School and in Green County and that your child may have been exposed.

• Clean and sanitize your home to prevent the spread of disease.

- From the Green County Health Department