Indonesia Beware E. coli from Europe

Health & Insurance----Deadly bacteria attack in Europe who had allegedly come from contaminated cucumbers, so far has resulted in 19 people died, and last victim was 80-year-old woman who lived in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany. 

Faced with this incident, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia called on the public to guard against diseases caused by bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli).

According to data from the Ministry of Health, the outbreak of the disease is actually taking place in Germany in mid-May 2011. Until June 2, 2011, Germany found 520 cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) with 11 deaths. There are 1213 cases of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), 6 of them died. That is, in Germany there are 1733 cases and 17 deaths. 

"In addition to Germany, there are 11 other countries that find the same case that is Austria, Czechs Republic, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Britain and the United States," said Prof. dr. Tjandra Yoga Aditama, Director General of Disease Control and Environmental Health (P2PL) The Ministry of Health. 

Although still in doubt, a bacterial infection of Escherichia coli or E. coli that has killed dozens of people in Europe was probably derived from vegetables from Spain. Later, the United Kingdom found that similar bacterial contamination is also present in cow's milk. Due to unconfirmed sources, the people of Indonesia do not be afraid to eat vegetables but be wary of immigrants from Europe. 

Dr. Ari Fahrial Sham, SpPD-KGEH, MMB, FINASIM, stomach and digestive consultant from the University of Indonesia confirmed that E coli can contaminate vegetables. Other foodstuffs including meat, raw milk, fruit and soft-boiled eggs can also be contaminated. 

Infection with E. coli bacteria from contaminated food can occur when the immune system is not good. Symptoms most often occur when infected with E. coli diarrhea is usually a liquid, Toilet (BAB) bloody and accompanied by nausea and vomiting. 

The symptoms are sometimes not appear immediately, but several hours after eating contaminated food. Pause needed E.coli since entering into the human body to bring the symptoms is called the incubation period. The incubation period of bacteria ranged from three to eight days, an average of four days. Most patients can be cured within 10 days. But in special circumstances, the disease may progress to severe in a condition called Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS). 

HUS is characterized by acute renal failure, anemia and platelet deficiency (acute renal failure, haemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia). Including neurological disorders to stroke and coma. It is estimated that up to about 10 percent of EHEC-infected patients will progress to HUS the mortality rate ranges from 3-5 percent. 

The number of deaths in Europe according to Dr. Ari caused by type E. coli that contaminate food in the region is the latest type. The evolution of bacteria has led to other types of acute kidney damage triggers that can lead to death within a short time. 

The most important thing the government should be aware of the new passenger plane coming from Europe. This step is useful to limit the risk of transmission, for example if there are passengers that are likely infected with the deadly E.coli new species such it should be quarantined or alert health. 

To prevent EHEC and HUS, the key is clean and healthy living behavior. For example, by washing hands with soap after defecation (BAB) and before eating. 

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends five keys to food safety. Ie keep clean, separate raw materials with cooked food, cook food until cooked, keep foods at safe temperatures and use water for washing food.