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ATLANTA, GA – Federal health officials are trying to determine the food source, grocer or restaurant causing illnesses caused by E. coli bacteria. As of April 4, the Centers for Disease Control reported that 72 people infected with the bacteria had been reported in five states, including eight in Georgia. Up to now, eight people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported.
Investigators are still trying to identify a specific food, grocery store or restaurant chain as a source of infection. The CDC does not recommend consumers to avoid any particular food at the moment; It has not been said to restaurants and retailers to avoid serving or selling a particular food.
Escherichia coli, abbreviated as E. coli, is a bacterium found in the environment, food and intestines of humans and animals, according to the CDC. Most strains are harmless, but some can cause illness and cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory diseases, pneumonia and more.
Other states with outbreaks are Kentucky with 36, Ohio with 5, Tennessee with 21 and Virginia with 2.
The symptoms of the disease vary from one person to another, but often include severe stomach cramps, (often bloody) diarrhea and vomiting, according to health authorities. Some people may have fever, which is usually not very high. Some infections are benign while others can be serious or life threatening. The CDC warns that about 5 to 10% of people develop a life-threatening complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is a type of kidney failure.
Most people get sick about three to four days after consuming something that contains the bacteria, but diseases can begin between one and 10 days after exposure, says the CDC.
Here's the CDC's advice for those with E. coli symptoms:
- Talk to your health care provider.
- Write down what you have eaten in the week before your illness.
- Report your illness to the Department of Health.
- Help public health investigators by answering questions about your illness.
Follow these general means to prevent E. coli infection:
- Wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers, before and after the preparation or consumption of food and after contact with animals.
- Cook meat thoroughly to kill harmful germs. Cook steaks and roasts at a minimum of 145 ° F and let sit for 3 minutes after removing meat from grill or oven. Cook ground beef and pork at least 160 ° F. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of the meat.
- Do not contaminate food preparation areas. Wash your hands, counters, cutting boards and utensils thoroughly after touching raw meat.
- Wash fruits and vegetables before eating, unless the packaging indicates that the contents have been washed.
- Avoid raw milk, other unpasteurized dairy products and unpasteurized juices.
- Do not prepare food or drink for others when you are sick.
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