Definition of E. coli hemorrhagic diarrhea

1. Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz
2. Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures
3. Heartburn? Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid Slideshow

E. coli hemorrhagic diarrhea: Bloody colitis (inflammation of the bowel) caused by E. coli, usually by the strain E. coli 0157:H7.

The diarrhea is severe with painful abdominal cramps, gross blood in the stool, and lasts for 6 to 8 days.

Most commonly, E. coli 01257:H7 comes from eating raw or undercooked ground beef (hamburger) or from drinking raw milk or contaminated water. Less commonly, E coli O157:H7 can be transmitted from one person to another.