They list “The Big 6” pathogens (Norovirus, Nontyphoidal Salmonella, Salmonella Typhi, E. coli, Shigella, and Hepatitis A) as being highly infectious, able to cause severe disease in small quantities, and each will be featured individually in this series of articles.

The main symptoms include:

• feeling sick (nausea)
• vomiting.
• diarrhoea, which may contain blood or mucus.
• stomach cramps and abdominal pain.
• a lack of energy and weakness.
• loss of appetite.
• a high temperature (fever)
• aching muscles.

E. Coli O157

coli (STEC) infection vary for each person, but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Some people may have a fever, which usually is not very high (less than 101˚F/38.5˚C). Most people get better within 5 to 7 days.

Are E. Coli Infections Contagious? An E. coli infection is contagious for at least as long as the person has diarrhea, and sometimes longer.

The watery diarrhea lasts for about a day and then may change to bright red bloody stools. The infection makes sores in your intestines, so the stools become bloody. The bloody diarrhea may last for 2 to 5 days.

Most people recover from E. coli infection without treatment within five to 10 days. Antibiotics should not be used to treat this infection because they may lead to kidney complications.

Anyone who has had an E. coli O157 infection should stay away from work or school until they have been completely free of symptoms for 48 hours. Most people are no longer infectious after about a week, although some people, particularly children, may carry E. coli O157 for several months after they have got better.

E. coli is typically spread through contaminated food, but it can also pass from person to person. If you receive a diagnosis of an E. coli infection, you’re considered to be highly contagious.