What is E. Coli?

E. Coli or Escherichia coli is a type of bacteria. There are hundreds of different strains of the E. Coli. Most strains of E. Coli are harmless and can be found living in the intestines of healthy humans and animals.

But the E. coli 0157:H7 strain is dangerous because it produces a powerful toxin that can cause severe illness. The combination of letters and numbers after the name refers to the specific markers found on the surface of this particular strain that differentiates it from other E. coli variants.

E. coli 0157:H7 was first recognized in 1982 during an outbreak that caused severe bloody diarrhea - that outbreak was traced to contaminated hamburgers. Currently there are an estimated 73,000 cases and 61 deaths attributed to E. coli infections in the U.S. every year.

Most cases are attributed to the consumption of undercooked ground beef. But beef is not the only cause of E. coli. Person to person contact (child care centers), raw milk consumption, swimming or drinking sewage-contaminated water, and improperly handle fruits and vegatables can all be causes of E. coli infections.

You can prevent E. coli O157:H7 infection by thoroughly cooking ground beef, avoid drinking unpasteurized milk, and washing hands carefully when handling food or if you have been in contact with other people.