With the news that 65 people in many states across the country have been afflicted with E coli 0157 H7, our attention had once again turned to a very common organism that most healthy people walk around with in their gastrointestinal tract.
According the the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there is strong link between the sick individuals and the consumption of raw Nestle Toll House cookie dough. O157 H7 just happens to be a particular stain or genetic combination that affects us differently than the good old E coli as we know it.
E coli 0157: H7 causes one of many food borne illness that generally results severe cramping and bloody diarrhea. One of the complications include hemolytic uremic syndrome sometimes referred to as HUS. This is when the offending bacteria leaves the gastrointestinal tract, enters the blood stream and starts destroying the red blood cells. The can lead to decreased kidney function. HUS can develop about seven days after the initial exposure even as the bloody diarrhea is improving. The bacteria generally lives in uncooked meet, contaminated water, raw fruits and vegetables, unpastuerized milk. Individuals could get sick 1 to 8 days after consuming the contaminated product. It usually affects the very young and the elderly.
In order to avoid getting infected with E coli O157:H7 along with other bugs that result in food borne illnesses, it is wise to always wash hands after using the bathroom, never use unpasteurised dairy products and avoid raw meat.
While the Nestle company has recalled the offending product, we should all exercise some caution and avoid eating the raw product since it was meant to be cooked in the first place. Also the handling the the raw product can potentially lead to cross comtamination of clean surfaces, and utensils. Hence, it might be wise to avoid the product altogether until the all clear is given.
Veronica, MPH
