E. Coli 0157:H7 is a deadly strain of bacteria that is commonly found in cattle in the U.S. and Canada. Drugs have had some success in keeping the mortality down in the cattle, but many come to market with the infection. During processing the bacteria can contaminate the meat and thus enter the human food chain through this most common vector.
E. coli has been found also in water, milk, apple juice, fruits and vegetables, and sprouts. It is also passed by human contacts.
The threat is greatest to the young and those with compromised immune systems. Strict vegetarians are not free from risk as the bacteria is being transmitted via those foods that are handled by workers that are contaminated and by water that is contaminated and sometimes by fruit and vegetables that are contaminated directy.
This is a serious threat and should not be taken lightly. Those that are using cattle manure to fetilize their gardens should reconsider since this is a route of transmission for the bacteria.
More will come to light as we continue this thread. Thank Jesus that we, His people, have been given great light and are able to discern things that the wise and educated cannot. With this light comes a great responsibility to warn the world.
The following is a FAQ from the Center for Disease Control in the U.S. Do not consider it as complete in that the threat is much greater than stated.
FAQ
Escherichia coli O157:H7 is an emerging cause of foodborne illness. An estimated 73,000 cases of infection and 61 deaths occur in the United States each year. Infection often leads to bloody diarrhea, and occasionally to kidney failure. Most illness has been associated with eating undercooked, contaminated ground beef. Person-to-person contact in families and child care centers is also an important mode of transmission. Infection can also occur after drinking raw milk and after swimming in or drinking sewage-contaminated water.
Consumers can prevent E. coli O157:H7 infection by thoroughly cooking ground beef, avoiding unpasteurized milk, and washing hands carefully.
Because the organism lives in the intestines of healthy cattle, preventive measures on cattle farms and during meat processing are beinginvestigated.
What is Escherichia coli O157:H7?
E. coli O157:H7 is one of hundreds of strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli. Although most strains are harmless and live in the intestines of healthy humans and animals, this strain produces a powerful toxin and can cause severe illness.
E. coli O157:H7 was first recognized as a cause of illness in 1982 during an outbreak of severe bloody diarrhea; the outbreak was traced to contaminated hamburgers. Since then, most infections have come from eating undercooked ground beef.
The combination of letters and numbers in the name of the bacterium refers to the specific markers found on its surface and distinguishes it from other types of E. coli.
How is E. coli O157:H7 spread?
The organism can be found on a small number of cattle farms and can live in the intestines of healthy cattle. Meat can become contaminated during slaughter, and organisms can be thoroughly mixed into beef when it is ground. Bacteria present on the cow's udders or on equipment may get into raw milk.
Eating meat, especially ground beef, that has not been cooked sufficiently to kill E. coli O157:H7 can cause infection. Contaminated meat looks and smells normal. Although the number of organisms required to cause disease is not known, it is suspected to be very small.
Among other known sources of infection are consumption of sprouts, lettuce, salami, unpasteurized milk and juice, and swimming in or drinking sewage-contaminated water.
Bacteria in diarrheal stools of infected persons can be passed from one person to another if hygiene or handwashing habits are inadequate.
This is particularly likely among toddlers who are not toilet trained. Family members and playmates of these children are at high risk of becoming infected.
Young children typically shed the organism in their feces for a week or two after their illness resolves. Older children rarely carry the organism without symptoms.