What Is E.Coli?
What does “E. coli” stand for?
Escherichia coli
Name one group that is at higher risk for E. coli complications.
Children, elderly and people with weak immune systems
Name one body of water where E. coli can live.
Rivers, streams, or lakes
Besides water, where else can E. coli contamination come from?
Contaminated food
Should you swallow lake water when swimming?
No
Where is E. coli commonly found in the human body?
In the intestines (gut)
What syndrome can E. coli cause that affects the kidneys?
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)
How long should you wait to swim after heavy rain?
24 hours
True or False: Cooking food thoroughly can kill E. coli.
True
Why should seagulls be kept away from swimming areas?
Their feces can carry E. coli into the water
True or False: All strains of E. coli are harmful.
False — most are harmless
Name three symptoms of an E. coli infection.
Diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting
Name one environmental factor that helps E. coli survive in water.
Temperature, organic carbon, sediment type, or other microbes
Name one food commonly associated with E. coli outbreaks.
Undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized milk, or raw vegetables
What infrastructure issue can lead to E. coli contamination?
Leaky or broken sewage pipes
What type of organism is E. coli used as in biology research?
Model organism
True or False: E. coli can cause pneumonia and meningitis.
True
What should you check before swimming in a lake or beach?
Beach/lake safety report or contamination advisories
What personal hygiene step helps prevent foodborne E. coli?
Hand washing
What is the benefit of beach/lake safety reports?
They warn about unsafe bacteria levels
Who discovered E. coli and what was it originally called?
Theodor Escherich,Bacterium Coli Commune
What is a bloodstream infection from E. coli called?
Sepsis
Why should pet feces be picked up near water bodies?
To prevent E. coli from entering water through runoff
What’s the danger in undercooked ground beef regarding E. coli?
It may not kill E. coli, causing infection
Name two steps people can take to reduce E. coli spread in nature.
Pick up pet waste, avoid swimming in murky or recently rained-on water