Amid E.Coli Outbreak In The UK, Here's Everything To Know About The Bacteria

E.coli outbreak in the UK The UK is currently gripped by E.coli cases, as news reports suggest many wraps, sandwiches and salads have been recalled as a precautionary measure after more than 200 cases of E.coli bacteria were reported in the country. According to an Independent report, tests revealed that between May 25 and June 4, the majority of the cases were part of a single outbreak that has been linked to a 'nationally distributed' food item/s. In fact, by June 11, the number of cases rose to 211; of 160 cases, 42 per cent were even admitted to hospitals.What the FSA says Darren Whitby, the head of incidents at UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) called it a 'complex investigation'. ...we have worked swiftly with the relevant businesses and the local authorities concerned to narrow down the wide range of foods consumed to a small number of salad leaf products that have been used in sandwiches and wraps, he was quoted as saying.What is E.coli? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), E.coli are bacteria that are found in the environment, foods, water, and the intestines of people and animals. Most E. coli are harmless. In fact, they are healthy and make up the intestinal tract of people, helping them digest food, fight germs, produce vitamins, etc.What makes E.coli dangerous? Some E. coli bacteria, however, can make people sick, causing diarrhea, urinary tract infections (UTI), sepsis, pneumonia, and other illnesses and infections. The CDC states that people often swallow E.coli -- also known as Escherichia coli -- after being exposed to contaminated food, water, or through contact with animals.The dangers of STEC E.coli is not to be taken lightly, because when someone is infected with Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC), it can lead to a serious health problem called 'hemolytic uremic syndrome' (HUS), which can cause permanent health problems, kidney failure, and even death. The NHS warns that this form of E.coli is usually caught by eating contaminated food (raw leafy vegetables or undercooked meat), touching infected animals, contact with infected people, drinking contaminated water, swimming in contaminated water bodies, etc.Prevention of E.coli E.coli can be prevented by keeping your hands clean, by maintaining food safety (including cooking and storing of food), drinking safe water, drinking pasteurised milk and juices, etc.