Haemorrhagic colitis (hamburger disease)

This is a gastrointestinal illness caused by Escherichia coli, usually consumed by an unsuspecting victim when they eat beef products that have not been cooked or handled properly, unpasteurised milk or contaminated water sources. People with weaker immune systems tend to experience more severe effects. This disease is extremely contagious and can spread by hand-to-mouth contact.

Symptoms: diarrhoea, severe abdominal cramps and vomiting

Who to consult: Dietician, gastroenterologist, GP, herbalist, homoeopath, naturopath.