Escherichia (E.) coli bacteria are found in the digestive tracts
of most humans and many animals. Usually, these infections are
harmless and may even be beneficial. Not all E. coli are alike
and, in a few cases, illness may result from infection with
particular strains. One strain, E. coli O157:H7, causes one of
the most serious digestive tract infections in the United
States. Some persons infected with this strain may have very
mild illness while others develop severe bloody diarrhea. In
some instances, infection may result in widespread breakdown of
red blood cells leading to an often fatal, hemolytic uremic
syndrome (HUS). Infections with this organism are often the
result of eating undercooked meat (especially hamburger).
However, feces may also spread this infection and children and
staff may pick it up from ill persons in child care facilities.
To prevent the spread of E. coli O157:H7 infections in your
child care facility: - Practice good hygiene and careful
handwashing. - Make sure that meats, especia