E. coli are germs called bacteria. They are found in many places, including in the environment, foods, water, and the intestines of people and animals. Most E. coli are harmless and are part of a healthy intestinal tract.
E. coli help us digest food, produce vitamins, and protect us from harmful germs. However, some E. coli can make people sick with diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, and other illnesses.
There are many strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) that cause diarrhea or bloody diarrhea. In North America, the most common strain that causes bloody diarrhea is Verotoxin-Producing E. coli (VTEC), such as E. coli O157:H7.
More Information about E. coli |
Reporting |
| Only cases of Verotoxin-Producing E. coli (VTEC) are reportable. Please see the VTEC page for additional information on reporting. |
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have an E. coli infection? |
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Exclude symptomatic food handlers, healthcare providers, and childcare staff and attendees until having 2 consecutive negative stool specimens or rectal swabs taken at least 24 hours apart and at least 48 hours after the completion of antibiotic and/or anti-diarrheal therapy medications, if these medications have been used. Follow the direction of your healthcare provider or occupational health at your workplace. |
Healthcare Provider Information |
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Public Health Ontario: Enteric - Bacterial Culture Merck Manual: Escherichia coli Infections Public Health Agency of Canada: E. coli for Health Professionals |
Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.
Last updated: December, by CDC