How long can a person spread E. coli O157:H7?
The illness usually lasts from five to 10 days (about two weeks in cases of HUS) and people are usually not infectious about a week after diarrhea stops. However, in young children the organism can persist in the stool for weeks. How can infection with E. coli O157:H7 be prevented? Do not eat undercooked hamburger or other ground beef products. Cook all ground beef and hamburger thoroughly. Make sure the cooked meat is brown throughout (not pink), and the juices run clear. Drink only pasteurized milk and milk products. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before serving. Make sure infected persons, especially children, wash their hands carefully with soap after using the toilet. Water that is potentially infected (when pipes leak or are undergoing repairs, for example) should be treated with adequate levels of chlorine or other effective disinfectants or boiled to guard against chance contamination. Prevent E. coli O157:H7 – Handle Food Safely General Handling Ground beef should b
