E Coli Infection

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 2, 2025.

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What is an E coli infection?

An E coli (Escherichia coli) infection is a type of foodborne illness. Many types of E coli bacteria normally live in the intestines and are usually harmless. Infection may happen if other, harmful types of E coli bacteria contaminate food or liquid. An infection can also happen if the bacteria that normally live in your intestines move to another part of your body. Examples are a urinary tract infection (UTI), bloodstream infection, pneumonia, or meningitis.

What increases my risk for an E coli infection?

Eating contaminated food, such as meat, seafood, produce, and dairy products
Drinking contaminated liquid, such as water from a lake or pond, or using the liquid to prepare raw food
Swimming in a community pool or hot tub that does not contain enough chlorine
If you are female, not wiping from front to back after you use the bathroom
Touching something that has the bacteria, such as a child's diaper or an animal at a petting zoo
Sharing objects with a person who has an E coli infection

What are the signs and symptoms of an E coli infection?

Symptoms are usually worst for children younger than 5 years and adults older than 65. You may have any of the following, depending on the body area affected:

Diarrhea that may be watery or bloody
Abdominal cramps or tenderness
Nausea and vomiting or an upset stomach
Urinating often, or pain and burning when you urinate
Fever
Trouble breathing or a fast heartbeat
A headache, sensitivity to light, or seizures
In babies, high-pitched crying, irritability, or refusing to feed

How is an E coli infection diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and the foods you have eaten recently. Your provider will ask when you last ate, and where you were. Your provider may want to know if anyone who ate with you is also sick. Your provider will examine your abdomen and check for signs of dehydration. Dehydration can happen if you have diarrhea or are vomiting. You may also need the following:

A bowel movement or urine sample may be tested for E coli bacteria.
Blood tests may show E coli bacteria. They may also show if you are dehydrated or have signs of infection or inflammation.

How is an E coli infection treated?

Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms become:

Antibiotics may be given if your immune system is too weak to fight the infection.
IV fluids may be given if you become severely dehydrated.

How can I manage an E coli infection?

Drink liquids as directed. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each day, and which liquids are best for you. You may also need to drink an oral rehydration solution (ORS). An ORS has the right amounts of sugar, salt, and minerals in water to replace body fluids.
Eat bland foods. When you feel hungry, begin eating soft, bland foods. Examples are bananas, clear soup, potatoes, and applesauce. Do not have dairy products, alcohol, sugary drinks, or drinks with caffeine until you feel better. Avoid eating high-fat or fast foods.
Eat small meals throughout the day. Your stomach may tolerate small meals every 2 to 3 hours instead of 3 large meals.
Ask your provider before you take medicines to stop your diarrhea. This may make the infection last longer or cause other side effects.
Rest as much as possible. Slowly start to do more each day when you begin to feel better.

How can I prevent an E coli infection?

Wash your hands often. Wash your hands with soap and water several times each day. Wash before you prepare or eat food, and after you use the bathroom or change a child's diaper. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with warm, running water for several seconds. Then dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Use hand sanitizer that contains alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Prepare food safely. Keep raw meat, seafood, and eggs separate. Keep these away from other kinds of foods, such as fruits and vegetables. If possible, use separate cutting boards and knives for each kind of food. You can also wash cutting boards, cutting utensils, and dishes as you go. Use hot water and dish soap to wash items. Rinse each item under running water. Do not put food on any unwashed dish that raw meat, seafood, or eggs were on.
Cook food all the way through. Cook eggs until the yolks are firm. Use a meat thermometer to make sure meat is heated to a temperature that will kill bacteria. Do not eat raw or undercooked chicken, turkey, seafood, or beef.
Store food properly. Refrigerate or freeze cooked foods and leftovers. Store raw and cooked foods separately.
Learn safe canning methods if you can food at home. Boil any food that has been canned or vacuum packaged at home. Boil it at 176°F (80°C) for 30 minutes or at 212°F (100°C) for 10 minutes.
Be aware when you camp or travel. Drink only clean water. Do not drink from rivers or lakes unless you purify or boil the water first. When you travel, drink bottled water. Do not add ice. Do not eat fruit that has not been peeled. Do not eat raw fish or meat that is not fully cooked.
Limit contact with others while you have symptoms. E coli bacteria can spread to others. Avoid close contact with others until your symptoms are gone, or as directed. Do not swim in public pools or go to work or school until you have had no diarrhea for 1 day.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

You have a seizure.
You have trouble breathing.

When should I seek immediate care?

You see blood in your vomit or diarrhea, or you vomit many times in a row.
You feel like you are going to faint.
You have severe abdominal pain.
Your abdomen is hard and swollen, and you are constipated.
You have black or bright red bowel movements.
You have severe nausea with vomiting.
You are urinating less than usual or not at all.
Your heartbeat or breathing is faster than usual.

When should I call my doctor?

You have a fever.
Your diarrhea or vomiting gets worse.
You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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