E.
Coli Infections
E. Coli Fact Sheet
(PDF 18 KB)
E. coli infections are often diarrheal illnesses that are caused by one of hundreds of strains of
a bacterium called
Escherichia coli.
The most important type of E. coli that causes illness is O157:H7 (E.
coli O157:H7).
E. coli bacteria can be found throughout the world. Although most strains are harmless and live in the intestines of
healthy humans and animals, E. coli O157:H7 produces a powerful toxin
that
can cause severe illness.
There are an estimated 73,000 cases of infection and 61 deaths due to
E.Coli in the United States each year.
Outbreaks have been linked to ground beef, produce, and unpasteurized
milk and fruit juices.
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