Shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterial species known to be a part of normal intestinal flora of humans and animals. It is also naturally found in the environment, water, and food. Most strains of E. coli are harmless to humans. However, some strains, such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), possess unique characteristics that enable them to cause disease, even severe.
STEC infection can cause severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea (often bloody), and vomiting. Most people recover spontaneously, but vulnerable individuals, such as children, may experience severe disease with serious short- and long-term health consequences.
It is transmitted to humans primarily through: consumption of contaminated food, contact with infected animals, ingestion of contaminated water, and person-to-person contact.
You can prevent STEC infection by: washing your hands, especially after using the toilet and after contact with animals and their environments; cleaning kitchen utensil after cooking; cooking high-risk foods (e.g., hamburgers, unpasteurized milk) thoroughly; consuming dairy products made from pasteurized milk; washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption; separating raw and cooked foods during preparation; avoiding ingesting water from uncontrolled sources.
For more information, download the poster with useful recommendation to protect yourself and your child from STEC infections.