(*PDF version) for printing. What is STEC/ EHEC infection? E.
coli is a bacteria that normally lives in the intestines of
humans and animals. There are many strains of E. coli such as
0121, 011, 026 and the most common strain 0157:H7. These strains
of E. coli are known to produce a toxin that can cause serious
illness. Who gets STEC/EHEC infection? All age groups can be
infected with STEC/EHEC, but young children, the elderly, and
those with compromised immune systems are the most severely
affected. How does one get infected with STEC/EHEC? The
infection is acquired by eating food containing the bacteria.
The bacteria live in the intestine of some healthy cattle, and
contamination of the meat may occur in the slaughtering process.
Eating meat, especially ground beef that is rare or not fully
cooked is the most common way of getting the infection. Other
possible sources of infection include unpasteurized milk,
drinking or swimming in water that is contaminated with sewage,
or eating unwashed fruits or vegetabl