E. Coli Infection From Food or Water

Children are more likely than adults to develop symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection. Most people with the infection will have:

• Severe stomach cramps and stomach tenderness.
• Diarrhea, watery at first, but often becoming very bloody.
• Nausea and vomiting.

Some people who are infected with the bacteria do not notice any symptoms. They may spread the bacteria to others without knowing it.

There are many conditions with symptoms similar to those of E. coli intestinal infection. Diagnosis of E. coli infection can be complicated by the fact that most bacterial infections that cause diarrhea are accompanied by a high fever. If you have no fever or only a mild fever, your doctor may suspect that something other than bacteria is causing your symptoms.

Bloody diarrhea is common in confirmed cases of E. coli intestinal infection, but the bacteria also should be considered a possible cause of non-bloody diarrhea.

For more information on when to call a doctor about non-bloody diarrhea, see:

• Reference Diarrhea, Age 12 and Older
• Reference Diarrhea, Age 11 and Younger

Symptoms of E. coli infection usually end in about a week with no further problems. But Reference severe blood and kidney problems may occur within 2 weeks after the onset of diarrhea. These problems can cause kidney failure and sometimes long-term disability or death in some children and older adults.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.