E. coli isn't uncommon in the summer months.

July 16, 2008 –

Public health officials offer the following prevention recommendations:

• Cook ground beef to 160° F Test the meat by putting a food thermometer in the thickest part of the meat. Do not eat ground beef that is still pink in the middle.
• If a restaurant serves you an under-cooked hamburger, send it back for more cooking. Ask for a new bun and a clean plate, too.
• Don’t spread bacteria in your kitchen. Keep raw meat away from other foods. Wash your hands, cutting board, counter, dishes, and knives and forks with hot soapy water after they touch raw meat, spinach, greens, or sprouts.
• Never put cooked hamburgers or meat on the plate they were on before cooking. Wash the meat thermometer after use.
• Drink only pasteurized milk, juice, or cider. Frozen juice or juice sold in boxes and glass jars at room temperature has been pasteurized, although it may not say so on the label.
• Drink water from safe sources like municipal water that has been treated with chlorine, wells that have been tested or bottled water.
• Do not swallow lake or pool water while you are swimming.
• Wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom or changing diapers as well as before and after eating or preparing food.
• Wash your hands after touching animals.
• Beef  Handling Safety Tips
  • When buying raw meats at the grocery store always place the meat inside of a plastic bag that is provided near the meat display case. This helps prevent leaking of fluids and cross contamination.
  • Have a cooler of ice in your car to store the meat in during the ride home or plan to go directly home so you can place the meat in your refrigerator. This is very important especially during the summer months.
• When grilling meats on the patio remember to use one plate for the raw meat and a clean plate for the cooked meat. Always keep raw meats away from ready to eat food.
• Grilling on the patio can be difficult when it comes to hand washing. Always wash your hands after touching raw meat.

Symptoms

Those who are infected with E.coli typically experience stomach pain and diarrhea, which can be severe and bloody, within 2 to 8 days of exposure. Most people recover fully within 5 to 10 days, although some people such as the elderly or young children are at an increased risk for severe illness. E.coli O157:H7 can cause a type of kidney failure known as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, which can lead to serious kidney damage or even death.

Anyone experiencing symptoms is asked to contact their healthcare provider.

Investigations

The investigations related to the E. coli outbreak involving ground beef from Kroger are being finalized. The CDC has confirmed that this outbreak now involves people in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New York and Ohio.

Click HERE for information on the Kroger ground beef recall.
Click HERE for Nebraska Beef recall information.
Click HERE for the CDC's information on this multistate E. coli outbreak.