What are the typical E. Coli Symptoms?

E. coli 0157:H2 is a bacteria that when ingested will attach itself to the inside surface or lining of the large intestine. There the E. coli bacteria begins to feed and multiply during a 5 to 9 day incubation period before the first symptoms appear. Over this period the intestinal walls start to become inflammed from the toxins secreted by the E. coli bacteria.

This inflammation eventually leads to the hemorrhagic colitis and the first symptoms of the E. coli infection. Hemorrhagic Colitis is charactized severe cramps and abdominal pain that is followed by diarrhea. As the infection progresses, the diarrhea becomes visibly bloody. There is typically little to no fever present during the E. coli infection.

In most E. coli infection cases the symptoms will disappear within 5 to 10 days, but in some people, particularly children under 5 and the elderly, the infection can lead to a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome.

This condition affects about 2% to 7% of E. coli cases and is a condition where the red blood cells are destroyed which damages the kidneys. This condition can cause permanent damage or even complete failure of the kidneys which can lead to death.