E.coli - Infection - Infographic

Although E. coli is usually harmless, E. coli O157 can cause bloody diarrhea in the host. The pathogen is associated with undercooked beef and beef products and fresh produce such as spinach, romaine lettuce, hazelnuts, and clover sprouts. Symptoms include severe abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that changes from watery to bloody. Life-threatening complications include hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) which causes acute kidney failure and thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura (blood disorder that causes increased blood clots and leads to a low platelet count).