E. Coli Scare- Learn How to Protect Yourself From It

E. Coli is a food borne illness that makes millions quite ill each year. It was also the cause of over 60 U.S. deaths in the year of 2005.

E. Coli is a type of bacteria. All bacteria are so small that they cannot be seen without a microscope. Although bacteria are small, it is living and crawling all over and inside of the human body among other places. Bacteria can survive in the Artic Circle, volcanoes, dirt and in water. Bacteria are powerful and it is hard to destroy bacteria if you are unaware of where it resides. Also, some bacteria are very helpful for the body. E. coli is a common bacteria that normally aids the body to break down and digest the food we eat. It is normally found in the human intestine.

However, if E. Coli is removed from intestines and is transmitted into other body parts, illness begins.

The greatest chance of retrieving E. Coli where it isn't supposed to be is by eating certain food containing the E.Coli bacterium.

E. Coli is most commonly transmitted from contaminated ground beef, undercooked meat, and vegetables washed in contaminated water.

E. Coli can be killed by cooking meat thoroughly on any portion of the meat that may have a chance of being affected.

When meat is not properly cooked, E. coli is easily transmitted from the food to people's digestive tract, where it can do some serious damage.

The symptoms of E. coli are not pretty. They include fevers, chills, bed cramping, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea.

It is important to note that anti-diarrhea medicine will only allow the bacteria to continue through your system for a longer period of time.

Also, hand washing is another great tool to prevent contracting E. coli.

Contacting your physician as soon as the symptoms arrive and you have reason to suspect they have been caused by E. coli is essential.

A recent outbreak of E. coli from a TACO Bell has made dozens ill.

As of December 8, 2006 more than 169 people reported contracting the E. Coli bacteria linked to Taco Bell. The outbreak has stretched from New Jersey all the way to South Carolina and Utah.

The E. Coli was most likely contracted through green onions.

The onions have been linked to Boskovich Farms in Oxnard, California, which grows the onions for Taco Bell's supplier.

Taco Bell has temporarily removed the green onions from its 5,800 restaurants nationwide.

The onions also may have been contaminated at a warehouse in New Jersey before they were distributed to the Taco Bell franchises.

Another outbreak of Salmonella was traced to tomatoes earlier in the year. 183 people were sickened.

One lawsuit has been filed concerning the E. coli outbreak. The family of an 11-year old Long Island boy is seeking an undisclosed amount in damages.

The outbreak of E. Coli seems to reflect a change in the pattern of food-borne outbreaks. E. Coli has previously been linked to contaminating food in the place it was being prepared and served. However, many contaminations are now occurring before restaurants even receive the product.

Contamination can be spread through irrigation and packaging. The packaging often involves the use of plastic bags which it make it the ideal environment for bacteria to grow.

Increased government food and drug regulations are being considered.

The symptoms usually clear up in 5-10 days; however E. Coli can have severe symptoms as well. Most doctors do not prescribe any specific treatment, however, over time the bacteria leave the body on its own.

The best method to dealing with E. coli is prevention. This includes careful washing, handling and cooking of fruits and vegetables. It also may mean using a type of disinfectant to take care of fruits and vegetables such as FIT.

It is also important to wash hands often, and cook meat thoroughly until it is at a regulated temperature and there is no pink.