EHEC: infection prevention Wash cucumbers and other vegetables

Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC)

When you're infected with EHEC bacteria can infect others while the bacterium is present in the stool. As far as known is that from the moment of infection until several weeks later. There are a number of measures to prevent infection with EHEC.



Infection with EHEC or STEC bacteria is usually caused by eating undercooked beef or mutton (barbecue, hamburgers), drinking raw milk or eating contaminated raw vegetables. Also contact (manure) infected cattle - such as the children - or swimming in contaminated water, an EHEC infection can result.

Human to human infection
Human to human infection with EHEC is also possible. The bacterium is in the stool of infected people, and is transmitted through for example the toilet, flush the toilet door knob or handle. Via the hands so the bacteria in the mouth of others entering.

Because there is no vaccination against EHEC-bacteria, good hygiene is particularly important to combat its spread. Some tips from the RIVM:

Hand washing

• After using the toilet
• After changing a child
• Before preparing food
• Before eating.

Wash hands at least 15 seconds with soap and water and dry them thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth, paper towel or paper towel.

Use toilet / bathroom clean

• If possible, use seperate toilet for people who have contracted the bacteria. If this is not possible, clean the toilet after each use.
• Work to clean the toilet from clean to less clean. First clean the door handle, crane, tractor or push button. Then clean the toilet seat and toilet bowl.
• Use cleaning wipes for the toilet is not used for other cleaning operations. Use disposable wipes.
• After cleaning use dry cloth to make it dry.

Showering / dry

• Wipe from top to bottom. Make sure the towel is then used to lower the upper body not being used or use separate towels under and upper body. Washcloths for the same advice.
• Hang washcloths and towels after each use so they can dry out.
• Excuse towels and washcloths frequently, the patient daily.

Preparing food

• Wash your hands
• Use clean materials
• Wash vegetables that are eaten raw thoroughly under running water for consumption and peel it
• Keep raw foods separate from cooked food
• Wash the cutting board and knife used for cutting raw meat with hot water and dry thoroughly. Do not put food on the cutting board where raw meat is located.
• Wash hands after touching raw meat.
• heat the food thoroughly.
• Preferably use a towel, change dishcloths regularly.
• Change frequently the towel in the kitchen.

Source1 Source2 Image Source