August 2, 2002

Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7

The recall of ground beef has once again been in the local and national news when a meat packaging company announced a recall because of possible contamination with Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7, a potentially deadly bacterium that causes severe diarrhea (which is usually bloody) and dehydration. Occasionally it causes kidney failure that may make the affected individuals develop the hemolytic uremic syndrome, which is a life threatening condition requiring hospitalization. The individuals at the greatest risk of infection include the very young, the elderly and the immuno-compromised.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that E.coli O157:H7 is an emerging cause of foodborne illness. The CDC estimates that the bacterium causes 73,000 cases of infection and 61 deaths in the United States each year. Infections with E. coli O157:H7 are reportable in Texas. An average of nine cases per year occur among Houston residents. There have not been any fatalities in the Houston cases.

Most of the infections have been associated with eating undercooked or contaminated ground beef. Unpasteurized milk, contaminated sprouts, lettuce and fruit juices have also been the source of the bacterium. Transmission between people can occur in families and childcare centers when good personal hygiene (especially handwashing) is not observed. Contaminated water is another possible source of infection, therefore all care should be taken not to drink water directly from rivers, streams and lakes.

To prevent E. coli O157:H7 infection, defrost frozen meat in the refrigerator and cook ground meat thoroughly. If you are served an undercooked hamburger or other ground beef product in a restaurant, send it back for further cooking. Drink only pasteurized milk or juices. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing food, after bowel movements and changing diapers.

For additional information about E.coli O157:H7 call Epidemiology at (713) 794-9181 or visit http://www.cdc.gov/dbmd/diseaseinfo/escherichiacoli_g.htm.