Facts on File Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

of people who become ill with it recover without
complications.

Risk Factors and Preventive Measures

E. coliinfections result from contaminated water
or food, especially meats. Swimming in lakes and
rivers often exposes people to E. colicontamina-
tion; swallowing the water allows the bacteria to
enter the gastrointestinal system. Most E. coli
infections are FOODBORNE ILLNESSES.

Preventive measures include

• diligent HAND WASHING
  
  
  • following FOOD SAFETYguidelines for handling
    and preparing meats and other foods
  
  
  
  


• thoroughly cooking meats, especially ground
  beef

Most E. coliinfections are preventable.

See also ERYTHROCYTE; WATERBORNE ILLNESSES.

Escherichia coliinfection 325