Which symptom is typically associated with E. coli infection?

The symptom typically associated with an E. coli infection is bloody diarrhea. This is a significant indicator of certain strains of E. coli, particularly E. coli O157:H7, which can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. The bacteria can produce toxins that damage the intestinal lining, leading to inflammation and bleeding. As a result, individuals suffering from this infection often experience diarrhea that can be bloody, accompanied by abdominal cramps and, in some cases, vomiting.

While headaches, joint pain, and rashes can be symptoms associated with various other illnesses, they are not characteristic of an E. coli infection. For instance, headaches might be related to dehydration or other infections, joint pain is often linked to inflammatory conditions or other types of infections, and rashes can arise from allergic reactions or skin infections. Thus, bloody diarrhea is the hallmark symptom that differentiates E. coli infections from other illnesses. Understanding this symptom is critical for recognizing and managing foodborne illnesses effectively.