Virginia Department of Health is urging people to thoroughly cook hamburgers to prevent illness from E.coli

Jul 2 2004

The Virginia Department of Health is urging people to thoroughly cook hamburgers to prevent illness from E.coli. So far this year, eight cases of the harmful E.coli strain O157:H7 have been reported in Virginia.

“Eating undercooked ground beef is the most common cause of illness from this strain of E.coli. People need to be sure that hamburgers are cooked well done, especially those that are fed to young children, to prevent an E.coli illness,” said Deputy Commissioner for Public Health Jim Burns, M.D., M.B.A.

Since the weather is getting warmer, many people are cooking out on the grill. Outdoor grills may not distribute heat evenly and extra precautions should be taken to ensure that hamburgers, especially previously frozen patties, are well done before serving. Once ground beef has been cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees, it is safe to eat.

Other sources of E.coli include consumption of unpasteurized milk and juice, alfalfa sprouts, lettuce, salami, and contact with cattle. Waterborne transmission occurs through swimming in contaminated lakes, pools, or drinking inadequately chlorinated water.

Symptoms for E. coli usually appear two to four days after exposure. The illness often causes severe bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Other symptoms may include vomiting, fever and chills. In a small percentage of cases, the infection can cause the kidneys to stop working. Young children are especially vulnerable. E.coli infection can be spread from person to person for up to three weeks or more, although this usually occurs within families or in daycare situations.

“Most gastrointestinal infections can be transferred from one person to another, and E. coli O157:H7 is no exception,” noted Dr. Burns. “We cannot emphasize enough the importance of hand washing and good hygiene when someone has diarrhea or other symptoms of a gastrointestinal infection.”

The Virginia Department of Health recommends the following tips for preventing E.coli:

• Never eat rare or undercooked ground beef.
• Cook ground meat to 160 degrees F or higher. The color of the meat may not be a reliable indicator that the meat is well done.
• Do not drink unpasteurized milk or cider.
• Always wash any raw fruits or vegetables before eating.
• Always carefully wash your hands before and after preparing foods.
• Always refrigerate meat products. Never leave raw meats at room temperature.
• Wash cutting boards after meats have been on them and before using the same surface to cut fruits and vegetables, or use separate cutting boards for meats and other foods.
• Make sure children wash their hands carefully, especially after using the toilet or handling animals.
• Always wash your hands with soap and warm water after using the toilet or changing diapers.
• People with diarrhea should not use public swimming facilities.
• Clean and disinfect diapering areas, toilets/potty chairs, toys, etc. at least daily and when soiled.

For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Health’s Web site at www.vdh.virginia.gov.