E. Coli: What You Need to Know

The recent outbreak of a new strain of E. coli (STEC O104:H4) in Germany has spawned some concerns among parents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there has been one confirmed case of infection in the United States and three suspected cases. Dr. Sandy Arnold, medical co-director of Infection Control and Epidemiology at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, weighs in on the outbreak -- and E. coli -- below.

It is my opinion that people do not need to worry about this particular outbreak - known as STEC O104:H4 - unless traveling to Germany. Of all suspected U.S. cases, the persons had recently traveled to Germany, where they likely caught the infection.

But anyone is at risk for contracting the common strain of E. coli bacteria, which come from cows and anything that could be contaminated with cow feces. Although disturbing, the truth is fecal matter can be present in more areas than you might think. This is the reason why many times vegetables, like lettuce and cucumbers, carry the bacteria. In most cases, the vegetables are in the path of run-off waters from farms that carry waste from cows. However, the highest incidences of infection result from undercooked hamburger meat.

It can also spread from person to person, especially within families. To prevent E. coli infections, families should do the following:

• Always wash your hands. It's also good to follow the hand-washing with a liquid sanitize.
• Make sure you thoroughly clean produce before eating it.
• Cook all hamburger meat to a well-done temperature.