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Wash cucumbers and other vegetables
When you are infected with the EHEC bacteria, you can infect others as long as the bacteria is present in the stool. As far as is known, this is from the moment of infection until a few weeks afterwards. There are a number of measures to prevent contamination with EHEC.
Contamination with the EHEC or STEC bacteria usually occurs from eating undercooked beef or mutton (barbecue, burgers), drinking raw milk, or eating contaminated raw vegetables. Contact with (manure from) infected livestock – for example at the petting zoo – or swimming in contaminated water can also lead to an EHEC infection.
Human to Human Contamination
Human to Human Contamination with EHEC is also possible. The bacterium is found in the faeces of infected people and is transmitted via, for example, the toilet seat, the flush button or handles of toilet doors. The bacteria can end up in the mouth of others through the hands.
Because there no vaccination against the EHEC bacteria, good hygiene is especially important to prevent its spread. Some tips from the RIVM:
Wash hands
• After using the toilet
• After changing a child
• For food preparation
• Before dinner.
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds and then dry them well with a clean, dry cloth, paper towel or paper towel.
Toilet use/cleaning toilet
• If possible, use a separate toilet for people who have contracted the bacteria. If this is not possible, clean the toilet after each use.
• When cleaning the toilet, work from clean to less clean. First clean the door handle, faucet, trigger or push button. After that, clean the toilet seat and toilet bowl.
• Do not use cleaning wipes that have been used for the toilet for other cleaning tasks. Wash the cleaning wipes at 90 degrees or use disposable wipes.
• Dry with a clean, dry cloth after cleaning. Then put it in the wash.
Shower/dry off
• Dry from top to bottom. Make sure that the towel used for the lower body is not used for the upper body afterwards or use separate towels for lower and upper body. The same advice applies to washcloths.
• Hang washcloths and towels out after use so that they can dry.
• Change towels and washcloths regularly, daily for the patient.
Food preparation
• Wash your hands first
• Use clean materials
• Wash vegetables that are eaten raw thoroughly under running water before consumption and peel if necessary
• Keep raw foods separate from prepared foods
• Wash the cutting board and the knife used to cut raw meat with hot water and dry them well. Do not place food on the cutting board that has had raw meat on it.
• Wash hands after handling raw meat.
• Heat the food thoroughly.
• Preferably use a kitchen roll, change dishcloths regularly.
• Change the towel in the kitchen regularly.
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