Which E. coli bacteria caused cases of food poisoning in Mac?

BBC

McDonald’s Quarter Pounder sandwiches have killed one person and infected dozens with bacterial infections in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which announced last Tuesday that they contained Escherichia coli bacteria. to find so-called. E. coli in these sandwiches.

The center registered 49 cases of the disease in 10 American states. 10 people were taken to hospital, including one suffering from hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening kidney failure.

The CDC, Food and Drug Administration, USDA, and public health officials in several states are investigating the cause of the O157:H7 outbreak.

Most patients said they had eaten a McDonald’s sandwich before developing symptoms.

Investigators say that the first case of this disease was registered on September 27, and that the age of those who were infected was between 13 and 88 years.

What is Escherichia coli bacteria?

Escherichia coli bacteria are considered to be harmless bacteria that live in the intestines of humans and animals and contribute to intestinal health. However, when you eat food or drink water contaminated with certain types of these bacteria, it causes intestinal infections that range from mild to severe and can be life-threatening. suffer them to put in danger.

BBC Arabic contacted the Food and Drug Administration to learn more about the origin of these bacteria and ways to prevent them. to hand hygiene.

Contamination is usually spread when faeces come into contact with food or water. Carriers can spread these bacteria when they eat food without washing their hands properly after using the toilet. Also, pets and zoos can cause these diseases if the animals are contaminated with pathogenic E. coli bacteria.

When should you visit a doctor?

Symptoms of E. coli bacteria appear on a person after eating food within a few days, and can be delayed for up to 9 days.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), common symptoms of E. coli poisoning include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and feelings of nausea or vomiting.

The severity of symptoms will vary depending on the type of bacteria that has infected you, as some types can cause bloody diarrhoea. In some cases, the type that leads to kidney failure, called hemolytic uremic syndrome, can be life-threatening for the patient, as well as the possibility of high blood pressure, kidney disease or neurological problems. .

Other infections may have no symptoms or disappear completely without any treatment within 5 to 7 days.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends seeing a doctor if you experience the following symptoms:

Diarrhea and body temperature rising to more than 38.8 degrees.

Diarrhea continues for more than 3 days without any improvement.

Diarrhea mixed with blood (bloody diarrhoea).

Severe vomiting to the point of inability to retain fluids.

Signs of dehydration appear, such as not urinating regularly, a dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when you stand up.

What is it and how is it transferred to people?

Most of the information available about E. coli is related to the O157:H7 type, as it is easily distinguished chemically from other types of E. coli.

This pathogen seems to be mostly livestock. chickens and turkeys, also found according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

E. coli O157:H7 is transmitted to humans primarily through the consumption of contaminated foods, such as raw or undercooked ground meat products and raw milk.

Contamination of water and other foods with feces, as well as cross-contamination during food preparation (with beef and other meat products, contaminated surfaces and kitchen utensils), also cause infection.

Foods that cause E. outbreaks include undercooked hamburger meat, cured salami, fresh, unpasteurized apple juice, yogurt, and cheese made from unpasteurized raw milk .

How can it be prevented?

The World Health Organization recommends control measures at all stages of the food chain, from agricultural production on farms to processing, manufacturing and preparation of foods in commercial establishments and home kitchens.

In plants: The number of cases can be reduced through various mitigation strategies for ground beef, such as inspection of animals before slaughter to reduce the introduction of large numbers of pathogens into the slaughter environment.

Hygienic slaughter practices reduce faecal contamination of carcasses but do not guarantee that the products are free of E. coli bacteria.

In homes: Home preventive measures and basic food hygiene practices recommended by the World Health Organization can prevent the spread of pathogens responsible for several foodborne illnesses, and also protect against foodborne illnesses caused by with E. coli.

These measures include: maintaining hygiene, separating raw and cooked foods, cooking well, keeping food at a safe temperature, and using water and raw materials in safe ways.

The FDA states, “The only effective way to eliminate E. coli bacteria from food is to include bactericidal treatment, such as heating, boiling, cooking, pasteurization, and other sterilization processes. “

Finally, preventive measures prevent people from being infected with Escherichia bacteria if the health standards recommended by health experts are followed by always following healthy habits, such as washing fruits and vegetables, cleaning and cooking meat, and washing hands regularly, especially after using the bathroom.

What is the treatment?

According to the British National Health Organization (NHS), there is no specific treatment for E. coli O157 infection.

Affected people can usually be cared for at home, and most people get better without medical treatment. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids, as diarrhea can lead to dehydration.

The group also advises against using antibiotics, as they could increase the risk of complications.