What can I do to protect myself and my family?

Wash and sanitize your hands frequently

Proper hand hygiene, even at home, prevents the transmission of various microorganisms, including Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). The habit of washing and sanitizing hands is important and should not be neglected.

• Wet always your hands with warm water and soap, scrubbing them for at least 40-60 seconds, especially in the following circumstances:
  • Before preparing or consuming food;
  • After using the bathroom;
  • After changing diapers or assisting children or other family members with personal hygiene after using the bathroom;
  • After touching or coming into contact with animals, especially cattle, goats, or sheep;
  • After coming into contact with areas frequented by animals, such as farm schools, agritourisms, petting zoos.
• Ensure always that young children wash their hands frequently and properly.

For more information, consult the following page of the Ministry of Health (in italian).

Pay attention to personal hygiene, in the kitchen and at home. Clean and sanitize utensils and surfaces after use

Wash always cutting boards, knives, utensils, countertops, and surfaces immediately after handling raw foods to avoid possible contamination of other foods.
If someone in the family has episodes of diarrhoea, it is advisable to practice good hand hygiene before handling food and surfaces (e.g., refrigerator handles, utensils) or to avoid cooking. Clean and disinfect bathrooms with household bleach.

Consume high-risk foods safely; ensure they are well cooked or pasteurized

Cooking food until it has reached a core temperature of 70°C for 2 minutes can kill most pathogens harmful to humans, including STEC.

• Avoid consuming raw beef and rare hamburgers;
• Cook meat and meat products well, whether fresh or frozen, especially hamburgers and ground meat products (e.g., meatloaf, meatballs), especially if of bovine origin;
• To ensure proper cooking, check that the product is not pink in the centre and is well-cooked. If available, use a food thermometer to check that the temperature has reached 70°C at the core of the product;
• If you buy raw (unpasteurized) milk, remember to follow usage instructions and boil it before consumption. Unpasteurized milk may be contaminated with pathogens, and only a heat treatment, like pasteurization, can eliminate the microorganisms that may be present, including STEC strains;
• When buying cheese and dairy products for vulnerable individuals (such as children, the elderly, or immunocompromised people), favour those made of pasteurized milk, thermally treated milk, or cheeses with a long aging period;
• Do not allow children to eat raw cookie and cake dough before it is fully cooked. Even raw flour can contain STEC!

Store food at the right temperature

• Always store fresh food in the refrigerator.
• Ensure periodic cleaning and sanitization of the refrigerator.
• Remove foods that have passed their expiration date from the refrigerator.
• Ensure that foods are adequately protected during storage in the refrigerator.

Always wash fruits and vegetables

• Always wash fruits and vegetables with fresh running water before using them, especially if they will be eaten raw.
• Wash fruits and vegetables even if they will be peeled. Using a knife or peeler could transfer soil residues and any microorganisms present on the surface to the inside pulp.

Separate raw foods from cooked foods: avoid cross-contamination

Cross-contamination is a phenomenon that involves the unintentional transfer of microorganisms from one food to another, directly or indirectly (e.g., from a surface to food). Here are some tips you can follow to avoid cross-contamination from STEC:

• Keep meat and meat products (e.g., hamburgers, meatballs, etc.) separate from raw foods during handling, preparation, and storage;
• Do not use the same cutting board or utensils used for raw meat to prepare other foods or ready-to-eat meals without washing and drying them thoroughly between uses.

Pay attention to the quality of recreational water and home paddling pools

It is important to avoid ingesting water accidentally contaminated by STEC, especially for children.
In public bathing areas (e.g., sea, rivers), pay attention to notices and any prohibitions. Recreational bathing in collected or flowing water in uncontrolled areas (e.g., streams, brooks, ponds) is an activity that may pose a risk. These waters may be accidentally contaminated by wild animal faeces or agricultural or civil wastewater.
Home pools pose a risk, especially for young children, if used by multiple people and if the water is not frequently replaced or properly treated. Use potable water to fill home paddling pools, especially when intended for young children, and always renew the water before use. Children can easily ingest water while bathing. Prevent other children or individuals with gastrointestinal symptoms from using the same paddling pool.