People who develop gastroenteritis from drinking water contaminated with E. coli are at higher risk for developing high blood pressure, kidney problems and heart disease later in life.
Researchers analysed data which evaluated the long-term health of adults in Canada who developed gastroenteritis (commonly known as stomach flu) in May 2000 after the municipal water system was contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 and Campylobacter bacteria. They looked at health consequences eight years after the outbreak. Of the 1,977 participants, 1,067 experienced acute gastroenteritis and 378 of those people sought medical attention. It was found that compared with people who were weren't ill or mildly ill, those with acute gastroenteritis were 1.3 times more likely to develop high blood pressure, 3.4 times more likely to develop kidney problems, and 2.1 times more likely to have a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke.
The above findings underline the need for following up individual cases of food or water poisoning by E. coli O157:H7 to prevent or reduce silent progressive vascular injury. The long-term consequences emphasise the importance of ensuring safe food and water supply as a cornerstone of public health.
Researchers analysed data which evaluated the long-term health of adults in Canada who developed gastroenteritis (commonly known as stomach flu) in May 2000 after the municipal water system was contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 and Campylobacter bacteria. They looked at health consequences eight years after the outbreak. Of the 1,977 participants, 1,067 experienced acute gastroenteritis and 378 of those people sought medical attention. It was found that compared with people who were weren't ill or mildly ill, those with acute gastroenteritis were 1.3 times more likely to develop high blood pressure, 3.4 times more likely to develop kidney problems, and 2.1 times more likely to have a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke.
The above findings underline the need for following up individual cases of food or water poisoning by E. coli O157:H7 to prevent or reduce silent progressive vascular injury. The long-term consequences emphasise the importance of ensuring safe food and water supply as a cornerstone of public health.