Where It Comes From
Feces from humans or animals; undercooked ground beef; raw milk or juice; raw produce irrigated or washed with dirty water; petting zoos or farms; sewage leaks and storm runoff [1][2][3].
How You Are Exposed
Eating or drinking contaminated items; swallowing water while swimming; touching animals or dirty surfaces and then your mouth; using unsafe well or recreational water [1][2][3].
Why It Matters
Causes diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting; toxin-producing strains (STEC) can lead to kidney failure (HUS) and hospitalization, especially with dehydration [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
Young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weak immune systems; farm, food, and childcare workers; people without safe water or sanitation [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Cook ground beef to 160°F (71°C); avoid raw milk/juice; wash hands; rinse produce; keep raw meats separate; use safe, treated water; don’t swallow pool/lake water [1][2][3].
References
- [1]CDC. E. coli (Escherichia coli): General Information.
- [2]WHO. E. coli (STEC) Fact Sheet.
- [3]EPA. 2012 Recreational Water Quality Criteria; E. coli as a fecal indicator.