E.coli is a bacterial infection that can cause severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhoea and sickness. In severe cases it can cause kidney failure, according to Public Health Wales
The most common type of bacteria that causes illness is E.coli 0157. It is very infectious and people can become infected from eating contaminated foods, particularly inadequately cooked minced beef and milk. However, some outbreaks have been associated with yoghurt, cooked meats, meat pies, cheese, dry cured salami, raw vegetables, salad vegetables, unpasteurised apple juice and water.
People can also become infected with E.coli from direct contact with animals or contaminated environments. The illness can range from mild diarrhoea to bloody diarrhoea. A severe complication of the condition occurs in up to 10% of patients, called haemolytic-uraemic syndrome. It can be fatal.
