Advice on boiling drinking water and information on the E.coli bacteria

• Boil all water for drinking or cooking.

• Boil the water in a saucepan or kettle until it bubbles vigorously. Bacteria, viruses and parasites die when the water is boiled.

• Pour the boiled drinking water into a well-cleaned jug, bottle or other container and let it cool. Let it stand at room temperature or cooler - preferably in the refrigerator.

• The boiled water should be used for drinking, brewing coffee, making ice, rinsing fruit and vegetables, brushing teeth.

• Unboiled drinking water can be used to: cook food that needs to be boiled in water, wash hands and face, shower (but make sure small children do not swallow water, avoid bathing), wash dishes in the dishwasher, wash dishes by hand (let the dishes dry before use), wash clothes, clean surfaces, water flowers, flush the toilet

Source: Swedish Food Agency, Public Health Agency and Swedish Water.

This is Escherichia coli, or E.coli:

The bacterium Escherichia coli was previously considered a non-pathogenic microorganism, common in the gastrointestinal tract of both humans and animals. It is used as an indicator bacterium in routine examinations of water to detect fresh contamination with faeces.

Over the years, it has been shown that there are several different types of coliform bacteria that can cause disease in humans.

How are Escherichia coli infections spread?

The bacteria are found in the intestines of humans, with some types also in the intestines of animals. The bacteria is excreted in the faeces.

Good hand hygiene and food hygiene prevent infection.

Do you get sick from E.coli?

The bacterium ge can cause stomach upset in people with, for example, diarrhea and fever. Normally, you do not treat with antibiotics, but fluid replacement may be needed.

Source: Public Health Agency