How Does E. coli Make You Sick?

 

Grilling season is upon us and we all try to ensure the health and safety of our family and friends when cooking out. Today we would like to delve into the idea of  how does Ecoli makes people sick and how to avoid the sickness whenever possible.

Growing up I never remember anyone really speaking much about food safety. Perhaps it was because I didn’t pay attention or maybe we just didn’t know much about it. We knew the obvious things about mayo not being left out at a cook out and things of that nature, but really no one went into any other details. Today there is so much information about every topic right at our fingertips due to technology and it often leads me to reading many articles about similar topics just because it is so easy to get caught up in just going from one to the next.

Recently there was a major beef recall due to the possibility of Ecoli contamination. Walmart recalled 16,000 pounds produced by Cargill Meat Solutions. This meat was sent to 11 states and Washington, DC. It included the traditional ground beef but also that which had been made into patties which led me down another rabbit hole. These patties are so easy to throw right on the grill and have a quick taste of Summer even on a busy work day. What would happen if someone ate this recalled meat and it did contain Ecoli ? How does Ecoli make people sick?

The Mayo Clinic always has useful information and this time was no different. Did you know the Ecoli lives inside our bodies? Who would have even thought that most healthy humans and animals have a certain amount of Ecoli already inside of our bodies. Most of this bacteria is considered harmless BUT there are types that cause serious health complications.

How Does e. Coli Make People Sick?

Some types of E. coli bacteria can make people sick by producing toxins that damage the lining of the small intestine. These toxins can be injected into intestinal cells or secreted into the body, and can have local or widespread effects. When the toxins damage the intestinal cells, they disrupt normal cellular functions, which can cause diarrhea. The E. coli can also cause the cells to absorb less water or release water into the intestine, which can also lead to diarrhea. In some cases, the E. coli can damage small blood vessel cells in the intestines, which can result in bloody diarrhea.

Where Does Ecoli Come From in Ground Beef? The most common way to get an E. coli infection is by eating contaminated food, such as: Ground beef. When cattle are slaughtered and processed, E. coli bacteria in their intestines can get on the meat. Ground beef combines meat from many different animals, increasing the risk of contamination.

You can’t smell or visually detect if meat contains Ecoli which is a common belief. Most people know that if meat is discolored or smells rancid that it automatically goes into the trash, but they assume if it smells okay that is is obviously safe. This isn’t true in many cases where Ecoli is present and the meat has to be cooked to the recommended temperature to ensure the health and safety of those consuming it.

What Are the Symptoms?

Signs and symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection usually begin three or four days after exposure to the bacteria. But you may become ill as soon as one day after exposure to more than a week later. Signs and symptoms include:

• Diarrhea, which may range from mild and watery to severe and bloody
• Stomach cramping, pain or tenderness
• Nausea and vomiting, in some people

Contact a doctor is your symptoms persist or you experience blood in the stool.

This summer as you plan and prepare for family gatherings to double check recommended temperatures for meat when grilling, have a good meat thermometer (Amazon has some awesome digital ones that are often Bluetooth) and most of all have fun! Make memories, take the pictures and enjoy time well spent with family and friends.

Have You Become Sick After Ground Beef?

If you have gotten Ecoli from eating ground beef? A food poisoning lawyer can help. An experienced food poisoning lawyer, like The Lange Law Firm, PLLC helps hold those responsible for foodborne illness accountable.

Call (833) 330-3663 for a free consultation or click here to email.

By: Samantha Cooper