Here we explain a bit more about E. coli and STEC, and what you can do to prevent getting ill
E. coli, also known as Escherichia coli, is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in the gut of humans and other warm-blooded animals.
Most strains of E. coli are harmless without causing any problems however, there are some like Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) that can cause illness in humans.
You can become ill from STEC by:
E. coli is a group of bacteria and certain types of it can cause food poisoning.
E. coli are a large and varied group of bacteria. Most strains of E. coli are harmless to humans and they can live in the gut of animals without causing any problems to their health. However, some strains can cause food poisoning and are called Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (or STEC for short). There are many types of STEC that cause disease with the most common being E. coli O157. There are other types that can cause illness, and these are known as non-O157 STEC. Sometimes STEC will also be referred to as VTEC (Vero cytotoxin-producing E. coli) but it’s the same bacteria.
STEC is an important public health challenge in Scotland, as it continues to cause outbreaks of infection, severe illness and, in some cases, death, particularly amongst children.
With approximately 150 cases of E. coli O157 each year (and approximately 80-100 non-O157 STEC), Scotland consistently reports higher rates of infection compared to other UK countries. The highest rate of infection is reported in those aged 16 and under, and in particular, children aged 4 years and under.
Infection with STEC usually results in symptoms appearing three to four days later and these symptoms include:
Some people infected with STEC may go on to have more severe complications, such as haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS). HUS can lead to kidney failure and the risk of HUS is highest in children aged five years and under.
STEC infection is more likely to happen in vulnerable groups such as children, older adults and those with a weakened immune system.
NHS Inform has information on what to do if you think you have STEC infection.
STEC infection can happen by eating contaminated food or coming into contact with infected animals or their faeces. You can also become infected through contact with people who have the illness, particularly if you don’t wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet. Remember, hands don’t need to look dirty to have bacteria on them.
In the kitchen, STEC can be spread by incorrect handling and cooking of food. This can happen by eating contaminated food such as undercooked meat, dairy products made from unpasteurised milk or raw vegetables and salad. STEC can also be spread by eating foods that have become cross-contaminated by poor food hygiene after handling raw meat or other contaminated foods.
