E. coli is “a large and diverse” group of bacteria found in food items, naturally in the environment and also in the intestines of humans and animals. While the majority of E. coli strains are harmless and play a key role in maintaining a healthy intestinal tract in humans, other strains are classified as pathogenic — meaning they can cause sickness that may lead to urinary tract infections, pneumonia and respiratory infections, according to the CDC. Some types of E. coli produce a toxin called Shiga. These are known as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, or STEC, which destroy red blood cells and can lead to kidney failure. In the United States, an estimated 265,000 people fall sick with E. coli-borne toxins each year. About 30 deaths are reported annually.

How do you get an E. coli infection, and how long does it last?

E. coli infection occurs when a person swallows a small, often invisible, amount of animal or human feces. There is an incubation period of three to four days, but it can be as short as one day or as long as 10 days. Infections are usually acquired through ingesting contaminated food or water. The infection can spread between people through close contact and from animals to humans. “Almost everyone has some risk of infection,” the CDC says.

What are symptoms of E. coli illness?

Symptoms of E. coli illness can include diarrhea, excessive vomiting and dehydration, according to the CDC. Some strains of E. coli cause stomach cramps and bloody stools. A fever is also sometimes reported. Severe cases can potentially be fatal. Seek advice from your health-care provider if you have diarrhea that lasts for more than three days, notice blood in your stools or have diarrhea accompanied by a fever higher than 102˚F. People are also advised to contact their health-care provider if they are vomiting and unable to keep fluids down or are passing very little urine.

Is there a vaccine or treatment for E. coli illness?

While there is no known treatment for the illness, most people with an E. coli infection recover within five to seven days. Antibiotics should not be used to treat cases of infection, as they may trigger kidney complications. Experts say that staying hydrated is key, as is resting to aid recovery.

What foods and places have been linked to E. coli illness?

In recent years, outbreaks of E. coli illness have been linked to ground beef , cake mix , flour and leafy greens . Children’s nurseries, schools, hotels and swimming pools have also been linked to outbreaks of illness around the world, prompting temporary closures.

How can you prevent E. coli illness?

To reduce chances of infection, people are encouraged to practice proper food safety by: washing hands, utensils and surfaces often; rinsing fruits and vegetables; keeping raw meat separate from other foods; using a food thermometer to ensure meats are cooked thoroughly; and refrigerating perishable foods. Do not swallow water when swimming. This includes lakes, ponds, swimming pools and streams. The CDC also urges people to avoid raw milk, unpasteurized dairy products and unpasteurized juices. Be careful when baking, and do not eat cake batter or dough. If baking with children, ensure they are washing hands thoroughly after handling raw mixture and ingredients. Thoroughly wash hands after going to the bathroom, changing diapers and having close contact with animals and their environments — including zoos and farms.

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What to know about E. coli symptoms and how to prevent infection

By Jennifer Hassan

August 18, 2022 at 8:20 a.m. EDT

A lab technician holds a bacteria culture that shows a positive infection of enterohemorrhagic E. coli, also known as the EHEC bacteria, from a patient. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

A “fast-moving” outbreak of E. coli illness has been reported in Michigan and Ohio. At least 29 people are ill and nine of them hospitalized, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in an urgent message Wednesday.

The CDC said that a source of infection has not yet been identified in this outbreak and that no deaths have been reported.