Is E coli common in Egypt?

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is commonly associated with diarrhea in Egyptian children. Children less than 3 years old in Abu Homos, Egypt, had approximately five diarrheal episodes per child every year, and at least one of these episodes was due to ETEC.



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Once again this popular holiday destination is gearing up to be a hotbed for claims concerning E. coli, Salmonella, Shigellosis and other strains of travel sickness often linked to contaminated food.

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According to the CIA World Factbook, the four most common diseases in Egypt are bacterial diarrhea, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and schistosomiasis. People in the country are at intermediate risk for contracting these illnesses.

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Egypt says 47 tourists got food poisoning at Red Sea resort.

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The tap water in Egypt is treated just like it is in every country. However, the chemical composition used in the water treatment may be different from country to country and cause stomach upset to those with sensitive stomachs.

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Why is Food Poisoning a Problem in Egypt? Food hygiene standards in Egypt are often lower than those we experience in the UK. Fortunately most UK travellers experience food poisoning which is short lived but E. coli O157 can cause severe intestinal infection.

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Eating raw, under cooked, unwashed, or improperly handled meat, poultry products, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, shellfish, and seafood. Drinking contaminated water or beverages. Inadvertently ingesting fecal matter, protozoa eggs, or viruses by touching the mouth with dirty or improperly washed hands.

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Food poisoning symptoms vary from person to person, but will typically include:
  • Nausea.
  • Diarrhoea e.g. three or more loose and watery stools in 24 hours.
  • Vomiting, which may only last one or two days.
  • Stomach cramps.
  • Fever and chills.
  • Generally feeling unwell e.g. having aches and pains.


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Public Health England reports that there have been 18 cases of E. coli in travellers returning from the Hurghada area of Egypt in 2019. One of the affected people developed a serious condition called Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS) which can lead to kidney failure.

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