Released June 9, 2011
LAMAR, Mo. — Even though it has been in the news lately, Escherichia coli (E. coli) remains mysterious to the average consumer according to Tammy Roberts, nutrition and health education specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
"E. coli is a bacterium that can cause foodborne illnesses. E. coli can also be found at levels that are too high in some of our lakes, rivers and streams. It's easy to wonder if it is the same E. coli and what the difference is if it is in our streams versus in our food. Bottom line is that both can cause illness if ingested," said Roberts.
Humans and animals all have E. coli in their digestive tracts that help with body processes. E.coli O157:H7 is found in the intestines of animals and is the strain that can damage the lining of human intestines and kidneys.
Bloody diarrhea is one sign of this disease. Children, elderly and people with weak immune systems are especially vulnerable to disease from this strain of E. coli. There are two other types of E. coli that cause diarrhea that can last up to two weeks.
"When we are infected with the E. coli bacteria, it is because of fecal contamination of the water or food," said Robert.
In the case of the ground beef with E. coli, it normally gets contaminated during the slaughtering and grinding process according to Roberts. Waterways that have been affected were most likely impacted by rains that washed fecal matter into the creeks, rivers or streams.
"It is important to not swim in these waterways while the E. coli count is high because you can ingest the bacteria. Public water supplies are treated to prevent E. coli contamination," said Roberts.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends taking the following precautions to prevent E. coli infection:
- Don't swallow lake or pool water when swimming
- Cook ground beef to 165 degrees and avoid unpasteurized milk
- Persons with diarrhea should wash hands thoroughly after bowel movements
- Persons changing diapers should always wash hands thoroughly
- Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods as the juices can contaminate
- Drink only pasteurized milk, juice and cider
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly
According to the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control estimate that 76 million people have foodborne illness each year in the United States. Proper handling of food and hand washing are important first steps to prevention.
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University of Missouri, http://agebb.missouri.edu/news/swnews/queries/showall.idc?story_num=5842
Source: Tammy Roberts, (417) 682-3579
Writer: David Burton, 417-881-8909, burtond@missouri.edu
