Escherichia coli (E. coli) are bacteria that normally live in the intestines of healthy
people and animals, primarily cattle.Most strains of this bacteria are harmless. E. coli
0157:H7 is a specific strain of E. coli that causes illness.It was first recognized as a
cause of illness during an outbreak of hemorrhagic colitis (severe bloody diarrhea) in
1982. The cause of that outbreak was traced to hamburgers contaminated with E. coli
0157:H7 bacteria.
Who gets E. coli 0157:H7 infection?
Anyone can become infected with E. coli 0157:H7. The elderly and children under 5
years of age are at greatest risk of developing a serious illness from E. coli 0157:H7
infection.