The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that Escherichia coli O157:H7 is an emerging cause of foodborne illness causing an estimated 73,000 cases of infection and 61 deaths in the United States each year. The infection usually causes bloody diarrhea and occasionally kidney failure. Most of the infections have been associated with eating undercooked, contaminated ground beef. Unpasteurized milk, contaminated sprouts, lettuce and fruit juices have also been the source for the bacterium. Transmission between people can occur in families and child care centers when good personnel hygiene (handwashing) is not observed.

Between 1995 and1999, 123 cases of E coli infection were reported to the HDHHS Bureau of Epidemiology. Forty-six (37 percent) of those reported occurred in Houston residents. Other serotypes are not reportable in Texas. All of the cases reported 1995-1999 were a result of contaminated food or water, either at home, at a restaurant or a rural setting.

Most people will recover in 5-10 days even without specific treatment. However, some individuals may develop hemolytic uremic syndrome which is a life threatening condition and requires hospitalization. The individuals at greatest risk include the very young, the elderly and the immune compromised.

To prevent E.coli O157:7 infection, 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. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, especially those that will not be cooked. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap before preparing food, after going to the restroom and changing diapers.

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