E. coli (Escherichia coli) is the name of a type of bacteria that lives in your intestines and in those of animals. Most types of E. coli are completely harmless, but others can make you really sick, sticking you with icky symptoms like bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and vomiting.
But that’s not the end of it. E. coli is known for producing a severe complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This infection produces a toxic substance that destroys red blood cells and causes kidney injury. If that’s not enough, it can progress to the point of blood transfusions and kidney dialysis. Yikes!
The best way to avoid contracting an E. coli infection is to avoid the most common sources of the bacteria. The funny thing is, E. coli almost always shows up in the same places, time after time.
Worried about E. coli? Avoid the items listed below and make sure you’re washing your hands thoroughly after diapering infants or interacting with livestock (including their food and living environment).
COMMON SOURCES OF E. COLI
- Under-cooked ground beef
- Unpasteurized milk
- Unpasteurized juice and cider
- Unpasteurized soft cheeses
- Alfalfa sprouts
- Lettuce, spinach and mixed greens
CURRENT E. COLI OUTBREAKS
When two or more people get the same illness from the same contaminated food or drink, the CDC leads a public health investigation into the issue and reports on the outbreak. Stay up to date with current E. coli outbreaks and review past outbreaks here.
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