Infection with ETEC is the leading cause of travelers’ diarrhea and a major cause of diarrheal disease in lower-income countries, especially among children. ETEC is transmitted by food or water contaminated with animal or human feces. Infection can be prevented by avoiding or safely preparing foods and beverages that could be contaminated with the bacteria, as well as washing hands with soap frequently.

Potential treatment options:

Most infected persons will recover within a few days, without requiring any specific treatment.

Clear liquids are recommended for persons with diarrhea to prevent dehydration and loss of electrolytes. For adults, packaged oral rehydration salts or premixed oral rehydration solutions (both available over-the-counter) may be used.

Antibiotics can shorten the duration of diarrheal illness and discomfort, especially if given early, but they are usually not required. ETEC is frequently resistant to common antibiotics. Because resistance to antibiotics is increasing worldwide, the decision to use an antibiotic should be carefully weighed against the severity of illness and the risk of adverse reactions, such as rash, antibiotic-associated colitis, and vaginal yeast infection.