How can you help prevent E.coli O157:H7 Gastroenteritis: "Hamburger Disease"?

The Following Are Recommended Preventive Measures:

Do not eat undercooked ground beef. If it is PINK, do not eat it!

Do not drink unpasteurized milk or eat unpasteurized cheese.

Do not drink unpasteurized fruit juices(more information)

Wash your hands thoroughly immediately following ground beef preparation to avoid spreading bacteria from ground meat to other foods.

Freeze ground beef following purchase unless you are going to use it within 48 hours.

Do not defrost ground beef on the counter. Instead, defrost the meat in the refrigerator or microwave.

Place the ground meat on the lowest rack of the refrigerator to avoid meat juices spilling onto other foods.

Do not use the same plate for raw and cooked ground meat.

Wash all surface areas well after they have been in contact with raw meat.

Wash your utensils thoroughly between handling of raw and cooked meat.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water following bathroom use or diaper change.

To avoid person-to-person spread, encourage good hygiene through thorough hand washing among all family members, especially when someone in the family has a gastrointestinal illness.

Do not take any anti-diarrheal medication (Lomotil, Imodium, etc.) or antibiotics for the diarrhea unless under the direction of your doctor.

See your doctor if you or your child develop the following symptoms:

• Bloody Diarrhea
• Severe Vomiting
• Bad Abdominal Cramps
• Fever
• Decreased Urine Output During A Gastrointestinal Illness

Should you have any further questions about the CPKDRC and its current projects, please contact Ms. Elaine Orrbine, Associate Director.