McDonald’s linked outbreak in United States: What is E. coli?

News: E. coli infection, after eating McDonald’s burgers, has led to death of one person and hospitalisation of ten people in the US.

1. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium that is commonly found in the gut of humans and warm-blooded animals.

2. Most E. coli strains are harmless, but some can cause serious food poisoning.

3. Common symptoms of E. coli infection include high fever (> 102-degree F), persistent diarrhoea, bloody diarrhoea, and vomiting.

4. It can be transmitted to humans through consumption of contaminated food, water or contact with faecal matter from the infected individuals or animals.

5. Antibiotics are prescribed for its treatment.