What to Do If You Get E. coli O157:H7

Recognize Symptoms and Know When to Seek Medical Care

E. coli O157:H7 typically causes symptoms 2–8 days after exposure, beginning with severe abdominal cramps and watery diarrhea that often becomes bloody. Fever is less common than with other foodborne pathogens, but may occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience persistent bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, decreased urination, or signs of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)—such as pale skin, fatigue, or confusion—as these indicate the infection may be attacking your kidneys.

Get Medical Evaluation and Follow Treatment Guidance

Contact your doctor or visit an urgent care clinic as soon as symptoms appear; do not assume they will resolve on their own. Your healthcare provider may order stool tests to confirm E. coli O157:H7 and assess your kidney function through blood work. Avoid antidiarrheal medications like loperamide, which can worsen complications; instead, focus on hydration and electrolyte replacement. Most cases resolve with supportive care, but severe complications like HUS require hospitalization and intensive monitoring by a nephrologist.

Report to Your Health Department and Check for Active Outbreaks

Once diagnosed, report your case to your local health department (usually through your healthcare provider, though you can self-report). Provide details about what you ate and where, 2–8 days before symptom onset—this helps authorities identify the contamination source and prevent additional illnesses. Use Panko Alerts to check real-time alerts from FDA, FSIS, and CDC for any active E. coli O157:H7 recalls or outbreak investigations linked to foods or suppliers you may have consumed. If an outbreak is confirmed, you may be contacted by epidemiologists for a detailed food history interview.

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