Public Health Advisory: Understanding and Preventing Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) Infection in Sagamihara City
Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture – July 30, 2025, 3:05 PM JST – Sagamihara City’s Public Health Department has issued an important advisory today regarding Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) infection, a potentially serious gastrointestinal illness. The city is committed to providing its residents with comprehensive information to safeguard their health and prevent the spread of this infection.
EHEC, commonly known as Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), is a type of bacteria that can cause severe illness in humans. The most common symptoms include bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal cramps, and vomiting. In some cases, EHEC infection can lead to a life-threatening complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure.
Understanding the Transmission:
EHEC is primarily transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Common sources include undercooked beef, raw milk, and contaminated produce. The bacteria can also spread from person to person through direct contact, particularly in environments where hygiene practices may be compromised, such as childcare settings. Even a small amount of the bacteria can cause infection.
Key Prevention Strategies for Residents:
Sagamihara City strongly emphasizes the importance of adopting robust hygiene practices to minimize the risk of EHEC infection. The Public Health Department outlines the following crucial preventive measures:
- Thorough Cooking of Food: It is essential to ensure that all meat products, especially ground beef, are cooked to an internal temperature that kills the bacteria. Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat.
- Proper Food Handling: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after preparing food, especially raw meat. Keep raw meat separate from other foods to prevent cross-contamination. Clean all utensils, cutting boards, and surfaces that have come into contact with raw meat.
- Washing Produce: Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables under running water before consumption, even if they are to be peeled.
- Safe Water Consumption: Drink water from safe and reliable sources. Avoid drinking untreated water from rivers, lakes, or wells.
- Hand Hygiene: Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water is paramount. This is especially important after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food.
- Community Hygiene: In childcare facilities and other shared environments, diligent hand hygiene and sanitation practices are crucial to prevent person-to-person transmission.
Symptoms to Watch For and When to Seek Medical Attention:
Residents who experience symptoms such as severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea (especially if bloody), and vomiting should seek immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about any potential exposures to EHEC, such as recent consumption of undercooked meat or contact with someone who is ill.
Sagamihara City is dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of all its residents. By understanding the risks associated with EHEC and diligently implementing the recommended prevention strategies, we can collectively work towards a healthier community.
For further information and detailed guidance on EHEC infection and its prevention, please refer to the official Sagamihara City website or consult with your local healthcare provider.
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