Recently the health officials have, warned all Americans to stop the intake of romaine lettuce as there is a possibility that the vegetable is contaminated with E. Coli. This warning was issued after several cases of illness due to the intake of the vegetable were reported in the country. Be Aware Of The Romaine Lettuce E Coli Outbreak.
So who is at risk?
The infection due to E. Coli by the consumption of romaine lettuce can happen to anyone basically. But it is more prone to occur in small children and in older adults. The romaine lettuce e coli symptoms can be noticed after a period of three or four days after the consumption of the vegetable. E. Coli after entering the system will attach itself to the intestine walls. They will further multiply in number following which the toxins are released into the system. The people who are affected by this infection ill probably get alright in a matter of seven days. This is possible because the immune system in the body will fight off the bacteria.
But there is a minor population, which might not be able to fight this infection back. In this condition, the hemolytic uremic syndrome starts which might be deadly in some cases. It can be identified with a major decrease in the release of urine. It might also cause kidney damage and fatigue.
How to Identify?
People who are affected by the e coli infection can find out the disease with a series of symptoms. It should be noted that there are people who might have the infection but they might not have any kind of symptoms at all. However, they can still pass on the infection to others. Some people will find a mild discomfort in the stomach. There are also chances where this discomfort might lead to a serious illness in which case the person should be hospitalized.
In the initial period, the people who are affected by the disease might experience a headache, vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, fever, diarrhea etc. These symptoms will probably end within a seven day period. If it is a mild infection, then proper care is enough to help the person get back to normalcy. By ensuring proper hydration and by giving comfort the affected patients can be put at ease. But in case the complications start to rise, then there is a need for proper treatment. This might involve dialysis otherwise there are chances of kidney failure.
There are no antibiotics as of now to drive away the infection. Since there is a chance that some of the antibiotics might increase the hemolytic uremic syndrome, the intake of antibiotics is to be avoided. By ensuring proper intake of fluids and by getting enough rest the infected person can get better. To make sure you do not get infected, avoid the consumption of romaine lettuce for some period of time. In case there is stock available at home, then it should be discarded immediately. Any kind of romaine lettuce like baby romaine, salad mix, pre-cut romaine lettuce should be cleared off.
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