Where are the E. coli O157:H7 bacteria found?
E. coli O157:H7 bacteria can be found in the intestinal tracts of infected humans and cows. How is this bacteria spread? The bacteria are spread by eating food or water that is contaminated with feces (stool) of an infected animal or person. The most common cause of E.coli O157:H7 infection is eating undercooked ground beef. Raw milk can also contain the bacteria. An infected foodhandler can contaminate food by failing to wash hands after going to the bathroom. Hands that become contaminated while changing diapers may also spread the disease to others. Some people have become ill after swimming in lake or pool water contaminated with feces of infected persons or animals. What are the symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection? Can it cause severe problems? The major symptoms are stomach cramps and diarrhea, which can look like bloody water. Other symptoms may include vomiting, fever and chills. Some people do not exhibit any symptoms or they may have mild diarrhea that is not bloody. In a s
