E. Coli and Children


E. Coli and Children
Our friends have a two month old baby boy. He contracted an E. coli infection that their doctor implied may have come from their dog. How much of a concern is this disease to our family
E. coli is a bacteria common in the digestive tract of mammals, and is in high concentration in feces of dogs and cats. Inside a human or a dog, this bacteria, as part of the normal flora, causes no harm. However, certain strains of E. coli can produce potent toxins, which can be dangerous, even lethal. This occurs most commonly when food is contaminated by E. coli, and allowed to spoil at room temperature. Cleanliness, refrigeration and thorough cooking help protect us from the toxins. A child has minimal risk of E. coli problems directly from a dog. Fecal contamination of food, such as unwashed vegetables or a hot dog dropped in the yard, and eaten later by an unattended child is of much more concern
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E. coli is a bacteria common in the digestive tract of mammals, and is in high concentration in feces of dogs and cats. Inside a human or a dog, this bacteria, as part of the normal flora, causes no harm. However, certain strains of E. coli can produce potent toxins, which can be dangerous, even lethal. This occurs most commonly when food is contaminated by E. coli, and allowed to spoil at room temperature. Cleanliness, refrigeration and thorough cooking help protect us from the toxins. A child has minimal risk of E. coli problems directly from a dog. Fecal contamination of food, such as unwashed vegetables or a hot dog dropped in the yard, and eaten later by an unattended child is of much more concern

E. Coli and Children

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