E. coli in drinking water
One of hundreds of strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli, E. coli is an emerging cause of food borne and waterborne illness. Strains of E. coli are harmless when living in the intestines of healthy humans and animals, but produce a powerful toxin and can cause severe illness.
Some E. coli have been waterborne.
Question: What is E. coli and where does it come from?
E. coli is a type of fecal coli form bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. The presence of E. coli in water is a sure indication of recent sewage or animal waste contamination. Sewage contains various types of disease-causing organisms.
Question:What are fecal coliforms?
Fecal coli forms are bacteria that are associated with human and/or animal wastes.
Question: How does E. coli or other fecal coliforms get in the water?
E. coli comes from human and animal wastes. During rainfalls, snow melts, or other types of precipitation, E. coli may be washed into creeks, rivers, streams, lakes, or groundwater. When these waters are used as sources of drinking water and the water is not treated or inadequately treated, E. coli will end up in drinking water.
Question:What are the health effects of E. coli O157:H7?
Infection often causes severe bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps; it may cause non-bloody diarrhea as well. In some cases, particularly children under 5 years of age or the elderly, the infection can also cause a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome, in which the red blood cells are destroyed and the kidneys fail. Approximately 2%-7% of infections lead to this complication. Hemolytic uremic -syndrome is a life-threatening condition and must be treated in an intensive care unit. Blood transfusions and kidney dialysis are often required. Even with intensive care, the death rate for hemolytic uremic syndrome is 3%-5%.
Question:How long does it take for symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection to occur?
Usually within 2 to 4 days, but can take up to 8 days. What should I do if I have any of the above symptoms?
Question:How will I know if my water is safe?
In South Africa our water and even the underground water has been contaminated by ineffective sewerage systems and plain carelessness of people who just excrete waste whenever and wherever they want to.
Authorities seems not to be able to control this at all although they try,therefore it is up to us to ensure our drinking water to become and stay as safe as we possibily can.
Question:How is water treated to protect me from E. coli?
The Reverse Osmosis water purification system is the most popular and effective way of treating contaminated water in our opinion and can be supplied in different capacities and stages.
For more information contact Mario at 0724766353 or e mail your enquiry to
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