These strains of Escherichia coli, also known as STEC or VTEC, produce a toxin capable of damaging the intestinal lining. The infection is usually linked to consuming contaminated food or water, especially undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk or certain vegetables, although it can also be transmitted through contact with carrier animals or from person to person.
Symptoms usually include abdominal pain and cramps, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. In most cases, recovery occurs within several days, but some infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication that can particularly affect the kidneys.
HOW E. COLI INFECTION IS TREATED
Treatment mainly focuses on maintaining proper hydration and controlling symptoms as the infection runs its course. In the specific case of Shiga toxin-producing strains, antibiotics are not generally recommended because they may increase the risk of certain complications.
Prevention primarily involves taking extra care with hygiene and food safety. Common measures include cooking meat thoroughly, avoiding unpasteurized dairy products, washing fruit and vegetables, and maintaining proper hand hygiene, especially after handling raw food or coming into contact with animals.
A CASE OF MPOX IN ZARAGOZA AND ANOTHER OF SHIGELLOSIS IN TERUEL
This week, a case of mpox was also reported in Zaragoza province. This infectious disease is caused by the mpox virus and is mainly transmitted through close physical contact with an infected person, particularly through skin or mucous membrane lesions and bodily fluids.
Its most common symptoms include a skin rash, fever, headache, muscle aches and fatigue, as well as swollen lymph nodes. Most people recover within several weeks, and treatment is generally aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing complications.
Finally, the Epidemiological Bulletin recorded a case of shigellosis in Teruel province. This is an intestinal infection caused by bacteria of the genus Shigella. It is mainly transmitted through the fecal-oral route, through contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated water and food.
Its most common symptoms are diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain and cramps, and in some cases stools may contain blood or mucus. Most people recover within several days, although some cases may require medical treatment.
