What Are the Signs & Symptoms of E. Coli Food Poisoning?

Escheria coli, or E. coli, is a bacteria that causes a form of food poisoning. Most forms of E. coli don't cause any symptoms, but one strain, called 0157:07, can cause people to become severely ill. People usually get this strain from eating undercooked hamburger, although it can also be present in unpasteurized milk and contaminated water. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate there are about 70,000 cases of E. coli infection annually. Signs and symptoms of E. coli food poisoning mostly involve the gastrointestinal tract.

Abdominal Cramps

• The first sign of E. Coli infection is usually abdominal pain and cramping, according to Familydoctor.org, the website of the American Academy of Family Physicians. The CDC says the disease may start as mild stomach pain but will quickly progress to severe stomach cramps. The incubation period before symptoms start can be as short as a day or as long as 10 days, according to the CDC.

Diarrhea

• Diarrhea is the most common symptom of E. coli infection. According to Familydoctor.org, the diarrhea starts out watery and stays that way for about 24 hours, after which it often turns bloody. The bloody diarrhea is caused by sores that form in the intestines. It can last from two to five days. Vomiting and nausea sometimes also occur, although the National Institutes of Health says that they are rare.

Fever

• Fever is a common symptom of E. coli infection, although it is not present in all cases. According to the CDC, fever that does occur is usually mild, less than 101 degrees F.

Kidney Failure

• In most cases, E. coli infections clear up in five to seven days, but the CDC says that in about 5 to 10 percent of cases, a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome occurs. This condition is a sign that the kidneys are shutting down, and symptoms include decreased urine output, fatigue and paleness.