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E.coli in drinking water One of hundreds of strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli,
E. coli O157:H7 is an emerging cause
of foodborne and waterborne illness. Although most strains of E. coli are harmless and live in
the intestines of healthy humans and animals, this strain produces a powerful toxin and can
cause severe illness. E. coli O157:H7 was first recognized as a cause of illness during an
outbreak in 1982 traced to contaminated hamburgers. Since then, most infections are believed
to have come from eating undercooked ground beef. However, some have been waterborne. Last year,
people became sick after drinking contaminated water in Washington County, New York and swimming
in contaminated water in Clark County, Washington. Information about the health effects of
E. coli
O157:H7, and actions you can take to protect yourself and your family from
E. coli infection is
provided below. You can also read the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's
You can read about E. coli in the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention website
Click here to
obtain information about your local water system on EPA's website
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