Escherichia coli is what kind of bacteria

What is in that water that you just drank? Is it just hydrogen and oxygen atoms? Is it safe for drinking? All water is of a certain "quality" and you can't tell by just looking , but what does "water quality" really mean?

Water full of dirt and grime might work fine for a tomato plant but would you want to drink it? Water quality can be thought of as a measure of the suitability of water for Skip to main content. Search Search. Water Science School. Bacteria and E. Coli in Water. Coli and Water. Get WQ data. Water Quality Information by Topic Learn more.

Below are related topics about bacteria and water quality. Date published: November 13, Filter Total Items: 0. Year Select Year Questions and Answers. Minus Related Pages. Shiga toxin-producing E. This pathotype is the one most commonly heard about in the news in association with foodborne outbreaks. Enterotoxigenic E. Open All Close All. What are Escherichia coli? What are Shiga toxin-producing E. Are there important differences between E. Who gets STEC infections? What are the symptoms of STEC infections?

How soon do symptoms appear after exposure? Where do STEC come from? How are these infections spread? Where did my infection come from? How common are STEC infections? What is the best treatment for STEC infection? Should an infected person be excluded from school or work?

How can STEC infections be prevented? COOK meats thoroughly. PREVENT cross contamination in food preparation areas by thoroughly washing hands, counters, cutting boards, and utensils after they touch raw meat. To learn more about how to protect yourself from E. Related Links. Follow E. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.

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Cancel Continue. Private water wells are a greater cause for concern because many don't have a way to disinfect water. Rural water supplies are the most likely to be contaminated. Some people also have been infected with E. Family members of young children with E. Outbreaks have also occurred among children visiting petting zoos and in animal barns at county fairs. But some people are more likely to develop problems than are others.

Risk factors include:. Most healthy adults recover from E. Some people — particularly young children and older adults — may develop a life-threatening form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome. No vaccine or medication can protect you from E. To reduce your chance of being exposed to E. Cook this incorrectly, and you could end up with a case of E. Nipunie Rajapakse says E. But it can get even worse. It's called OH7, which can cause bloody diarrhea and has been associated with a condition that can cause kidney damage, especially in young children.

The elderly are also at higher risk for problems with E. Rajapakse says the best way to avoid a bout with the bacteria is to wash your hands and thoroughly cook your hamburgers.

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