E. coli enteritis is a type of bacterial gastroenteritis. The symptoms are a result of toxins or bacterial invasion into the intestine. The incubation period (the time it takes for the germ to cause illness) is 24 - 72 hours. In adults, the infection is usually not severe. However, in children and infants, the infection frequently requires hospitalization and in some cases is life-threatening. Certain types of E. coli infection are associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a disease marked by destruction of the red blood cells, drastic decrease in the platelets, and acute kidney failure. Risk factors include recent family illness with E. coli, recent family illness with vomiting or diarrhea, eating unsanitary food, or drinking untreated or contaminated water. Travel to places that may not have clean drinking water is also a risk factor.
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