Facts about Europe's E. coli outbreak

The deadly strain of E. coli that
has killed at least 17 people in Europe and
sickened 1,500 has never been seen in a
human population and it may be the most
toxic yet, health experts said on Thursday.

Here are answers to some frequently asked
questions about the outbreak.

1. What is E. coli?
Escherichia coli (E. coli) are
a group of bacteria that live in the intestines
of many animals, including humans. Most
strains are harmless, but others can cause
illness ranging from diarrhea to pneumonia.

E. coli infections can be mild to life-
threatening.

2. How is E. coli spread? E. coli infections are
caused by ingesting the feces of infected
animals or humans, often via contaminated
food or water. People can contaminate food
by failing to wash their hands after using
the toilet or changing a baby's diaper,
although person-to-person infection is rare.
Feces from animals, ranging from cows to
birds, can contaminate water or crops.

3. What is the strain? The strain that is
sickening people inGermany and other
parts of Europe, known as 0104:H4, is part
of a class of bacteria known as Shiga toxin-
producing Escherichia coli, or STEC.

It is the
first time the strain has caused an outbreak
in humans. Symptoms of STEC infections vary
for each person but often include severe
stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody)
and vomiting. Low fever (less than 101
degrees F/38.5 degrees C) also may be
present. Most people recover within five to
seven days.

4. What are the major complications of this
strain? Hundreds of people sickened in the
outbreak have developed hemolytic uremic
syndrome, or HUS, a life-threatening
complication of E. coli infections.

The
syndrome, which results in the destruction
of red blood cells and severe kidney
problems, usually arises about a week after
diarrhea starts.
Symptoms of HUS include decreased
frequency of urination, extreme fatigue and
the loss of the skin's pink color. Children, the
elderly and people with compromised
immune systems usually are at highest risk
for HUS. In the case of this outbreak, healthy
adult women have been hard hit.

5. What is the medical treatment? Experts
said supportive therapy, including hydration,
is important. Treatment for HUS includes
dialysis for kidney failure and blood
transfusions for anemia.

Antibiotics should
not be used, as there is no evidence that
treatment with antibiotics is helpful.

Antibiotics and antidiarrheal agents like
Imodium also may increase risk of HUS.