Jakarta. Deadly bacteria attack in Europe in the past week was probably derived from the contaminated cucumbers. Due to unconfirmed sources, the people of Indonesia should not be afraid to eat vegetables but be wary of immigrants from Europe.

Although he was doubtful, the infection of Escherichia coli or E. coli bacteria that have 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.

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 is usually a liquid diarrhea, bloody feses 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 and usually takes about 16 hours.

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.

However, Dr. Ari believes that the European distribution of contaminated vegetables E.coli must have been very limited. Therefore society in Indonesia need not fear to eat cucumbers and other vegetables, as long as due regard to cleanliness.

“Food is contaminated vegetables, in this case is indeed cucumber will be consumed raw, so the possibility of people who eat them easily contracted the infection,” said Dr. Ari in a release received detikHealth, Sunday (05/06/2011).

Most importantly, according to Dr. Ari, 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 deadly E. coli is a new type.

But more importantly, the culture of healthy living must be applied in everyday life such as that mentioned by Dr. Ari following.

  1. Always consume clean foods and drinks
  2. Cooking food the best you could
  3. Do not consume foods that are not fresh or is suspected of already damaged or expired
  4. Clean vegetables as well as possible if you want to be consumed raw.