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E. coli is a common type of bacteria that can get into food, like beef and vegetables. [1]
There are many types of E. coli, and most of them are harmless. [2]
Every time you turn around anymore, there are warnings about hamburger meat (involving Hudson Foods and E. coli, or non-pasteurized apple juice and E. coli. [3]
CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA/FSIS) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections. [4]
A bacillus (Escherichia coli) normally found in the human gastrointestinal tract and existing as numerous strains, some of which are responsible for diarrheal diseases. [5]
E. coli (short for Escherichia coli) are bacteria that normally live in the intestines of humans and animals. [...] In some people, particularly children under five years of age, the infection can cause a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). [6]
The presence of E. coli and other kinds of bacteria within our intestines is necessary for us to develop and operate properly, and for us to remain healthy - E. coli, along with other species of bacteria, provide us with many necessary vitamins for example. [3]
The bacteria live in the intestines of some healthy cattle and contamination of the meat may occur in the slaughtering process. [...] With careless food handling any food product eaten raw can be contaminated by raw meat juices. [6]
Sounds weird, but, it’s true - billions of these little critters chugging away, making things we need, helping to digest our food, etc., — very important to us and most of them are exceedingly kind to us - except when they become teenagers and enter the throes of puberty (just kidding). [3]
It is important to remember that most kinds of E. coli bacteria do not cause disease in humans, indeed, some are beneficial, and some cause infections other than gastrointestinal infections, such urinary tract infections. [7]
When E. coli is consumed in water, milk, or food or is transmitted through the bite of a fly or other insect, it can cause gastrointestinal illness. [5]
You get an E. coli infection by coming into contact with the feces, or stool, of humans or animals. [2]
The diarrhea causes your body to lose fluids and electrolytes (dehydration). [8]
Sources:
[1] E. Coli
[2] E. coli Bacteria Infection Symptoms, Causes, Treatments
[3] Bugs in the News - What the Heck is an E. coli?
[4] Home | CDC E. Coli - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
[5] E. coli: Definition from Answers.com - Answers.com: Wiki Q&A …
[6] E. coli Fact Sheet
[7] E. coli Food Poisoning | E. coli Food Poisoning
[8] E. coli Infection — familydoctor.org