e.coli Vegetables 2011 are more often bad and deadly

e.coli Vegetables 2011 are more often bad and deadly

There's so far been 11 UK victims diagnosed with mutant E.coli & health officials have advised vigilance.

The deadly E.coli outbreak in Europe, which has claimed various lives, highlights how serious this type of food poisoning can be.

Fortunately, for all of us such infections, though disagreeable, are not life-threatening. Here, DR ELLIE CANNON explains what you need to know.

E. coli can cause serious problems in those with a weakened immune system or in outbreaks of certain, more sinister, sub-types.

Q. Why is this current outbreak so dangerous? .

A. E. coli is normally a harmless bacteria in our gut. However, it can cause serious problems in those with a weakened immune system or in outbreaks of certain, more sinister, sub-types. This is what has happened in Germany - the outbreak has been caused by a rare sub-type known as VTEC or E. coli 0104. It enters the food chain via contamination with faecal material. Infection may be prevented by careful washing and cooking of food.

Q. What complications arise from infection? .

A. Most people get a mild illness. E. coli causes a range of conditions, the most common being simple diarrhoea from which most people make a quick recovery. It is the most frequent cause of uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women. However, it can occasionally cause more serious illnesses and significant kidney complications - known a.