Escherichia coli (E. coli) are a specific type of bacteria that are normally present within your intestine and aid your body in digestion. Certain types of E. coli are infectious and can cause an illness called E. coli enteritis if a person consumes food or water that has been contaminated by these bacteria. E. coli bacteria symptoms typically arise within 24 to 72 hours after exposure and can persist for up to seven days.
Diarrhea
The most common symptom associated with E. coli infection is diarrhea. Diarrhea is a medical condition characterized by a frequent urge to produce a bowel movement, which typically yields loose or watery stools. If you have an E. coli infection, you can experience sudden, severe diarrhea and may develop blood within your stools. Diarrhea can also interfere with your body's ability to absorb fluid from food products within your digestive tract, causing dehydration to occur. Dehydration can cause additional symptoms of headache, increased thirst, lightheadedness, fatigue or loss of consciousness. If you have been infected with E. coli, it is important that you remain hydrated to prevent further medical complications.
Abdominal Pain
You can experience severe abdominal pain and cramping as a symptom of an E. coli infection, explain health professionals at Kids Health, an informational health website established by The Nemours Foundation. Painful abdominal symptoms associated with E. coli infection are often characterized as sharp or aching and may be accompanied by gas or diarrhea. Abdominal pain can also contribute to a decreased appetite in people who have been exposed to E. coli.
Vomiting
If you consume food or water that has been contaminated by E. coli, you can experience vomiting as a symptom of this condition. When abnormal pathogens enter your digestive tract, your body can cause you to vomit in an effort to rid your body of the infectious invader. Vomiting associated with E. coli infection can be severe and may also cause dehydration to develop in certain people.
Fever
Exposure to E. coli bacteria can cause a fever. A fever is a normal immune response generated by your body in an effort to prevent bacteria or viruses from replicating and spreading throughout your body. Fever associated with E. coli infection is typically low-grade--less than 101 degrees F as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)--and progressively subsides as the infection resolves. If you develop a high fever, contact your doctor immediately for further evaluation and care.
