E.coli 0157:H7 Infection
Clinical Manifestations
An acute, bacterial infection characterized by diarrhea, which can be bloody or non-bloody, severe cramping, and occasional fever. Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, E. coli 0157:H7 is a particular strain found primarily in cattle, and can cause severe illness in humans. It is transmitted by contaminated food, particularly undercooked ground beef and unpasteurized milk or fruit juices. It can also be transmitted from person-to-person or animal-to-person through the fecal-oral route.
Incubation Period
From 2-8 days, usually 3-4 days.
Period of Communicability
Throughout acute infection, and as long as the organism persists in the stool, which may be as long as 2 weeks after symptoms have ceased.
Applicable Laws For Indiana Schools
-
Symptomatic persons shall be excluded from employment involving food handling or the direct care of children. (410 IAC 1-2.3-66(2)(A))
-
Asymptomatic food handlers and day care workers may return to work provided the following: a.) local health officer discusses with the asymptomatic worker his or her symptoms and determines the worker is indeed asymptomatic, and the worker is further counseled about measures such as hand washing, that shall be followed to prevent transmission of the disease; b.) local health officer contacts the employer to reemphasize the need to comply with local and state rules requiring proper hand washing for all employees, and to correct any observed lapses in hygiene.
-
(410 IAC 1-2.3-66(2)(B)(i)(ii))
-
If an outbreak occurs in a day care center or preschool, all attendees and staff may be required to submit stool specimens for evaluation. Day care centers shall be closed to new admissions until health officials determine the outbreak is over.
-
(410 IAC 1-2.3-66(2)(D))
-
Asymptomatic food handlers will be restricted from working with exposed food, clean equipment, utensils, linens, and unwrapped single service articles until 2 successive stool cultures are taken no less than 24 hours, and no sooner than 48 hours after the cessation of antibiotic therapy, and are negative for the presence of the organism. (410 IAC 1-2.3-66(2)(B)(i)(ii))
-
Infected children shall be excluded from any day care setting (including, but not limited to babysitting groups and preschools) until 2 successive cultures taken no less than 24 hours apart and no sooner than 48 hours after the cessation of antibiotic therapy are negative for the presence of the organism. Excluded children cannot be transferred to another child care setting. (410 IAC 1-2.3-66(2)(C))
-
Symptomatic children shall be excluded from school until asymptomatic and the following has taken place: a.)The health officer discusses the symptoms with the student and determines they are indeed asymptomatic, and the student is counseled about measures, such as hand washing to prevent transmission of the disease; b.)the health officer contacts school administration to reemphasize the need to comply with local and state rules requiring proper hand washing facilities, and the need to emphasize good hand washing practices to the students. (410 IAC 1-2.3-66(2)(E)(i)(ii))
School Nursing Implications
- Hand washing is critical to control spread of disease.
- Call caregiver of child.
- Consider sending letter to caregivers.
- Watch for additional cases.
Related Sites/Additional Information
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/submenus/sub_ecoli.htm
E. coli 0157:H7 Quick Facts
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/submenus/sub_ecoli.htm
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~mow/intro.html
- Where do I obtain a copy of an Indiana birth or death certificate?
- What is INShape Indiana?
- How do I create an INShape account?
- Where is the INShape Indiana login page?
- Can I talk to an INShape Indiana fitness trainer about my specific health needs?
- Can I talk to an INShape Indiana nutritionist about my specific health needs?
- Is the old INShape Indiana tracking system still available?
- As an adopted child, how do I get information about my birth parents?
- How do I request a representative from INShape Indiana to attend my event?
- How can I find out more about the flu epidemic?
