Learn about how 71 people in the USA got E. coli 0157.
What is E. coli 0157?
How do people get it?
What did the 71 people with E. coli O157 all eat?
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5.1 Danger in our food
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E. coli 0157 is a specific strain of the bacterium Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli. E. coli bacteria are found naturally in the intestines of both humans and animals, and most strains are harmless or even beneficial. However, E. coli 0157 is considered a dangerous pathogen that can cause severe illness in humans.

People can get infected with E. coli 0157 by consuming contaminated food or water. The bacterium can originate from various sources, including meat products (especially undercooked ground beef), unpasteurized milk and dairy products, contaminated fruits and vegetables, and contaminated water. It can also be transmitted from person to person in cases of poor hygiene.

In the case of the 71 people in the USA who got E. coli 0157, it would be important to investigate their food consumption history to identify a common source of contamination. This process involves conducting interviews with the affected individuals, collecting and analyzing samples of the food they consumed, and comparing the results to find similarities.

To determine what the 71 people with E. coli 0157 all ate, investigators would need to ask each person about their recent meals and gather detailed information. This information would include the types of food, specific ingredients, brands, cooking methods, and any potential sources of contamination. It would also involve obtaining samples of the suspected food items and conducting laboratory tests to identify the presence of E. coli 0157.

In conclusion, E. coli 0157 is a strain of bacteria that can cause illness in humans. People can get infected by consuming contaminated food or water. To identify the specific source of contamination for the 71 affected individuals, a thorough investigation would be conducted involving interviews, sample collection, and laboratory analysis.