What are other risk factors or foods for E. coli O157:H7?
Contact with farm animals, such as calves and other young ruminant animals, can pose a risk, especially for the elderly, young and those with compromised immune systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in April 2001 released strategies for petting zoos and other animal venues to reduce risk, such as providing adequate hand-washing stations and strictly separating eating areas from areas where humans and animals are in contact. The E. coli O157:H7 pathogen has triggered food-borne illness outbreaks from consumption of foods as diverse as unpasteurized apple juice, lettuce, alfalfa sprouts, ground beef and strawberries. Swimming in and drinking contaminated water have also triggered outbreaks, as have improperly handling (not washing hands) dirty diapers from an infected child. While outbreaks attributed to beef tend to grab the headlines, its also very important to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables under cold running tap water to remove any lingering contaminants. The
