COLORADO, USA — Whether you are out to dinner with family or grilling burgers by the pool with friends, it’s important to make sure you are protected from E. coli.
It’s a bacteria that you can’t see, but you can find it in raw foods and meats that can make you extremely sick.
Three people recently tested positive for E. coli after eating at a Red Robin Gourmet Burger at 799 W. 146th Ave. in Westminster, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE).
9NEWS spoke with medical expert Dr. Comilla Sasson to find out what you need to know about this common (yet deadly) bacteria.
(Editor's note: Responses have been edited for context and clarity.)
9NEWS: What is E. coli?
Dr. Sasson: E. coli is a common bacteria that you’ll find in undercooked foods and meats. There are different strains of E. coli, but the strain that will make you extremely sick and could potentially kill you is the E0157-H7 strain. Symptoms typically develop one to 10 days after eating the bacteria.
If you have this particular strain you may experience:
- Severe vomiting
- Bloody diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
How can I avoid getting sick from E. coli?
Dr. Sasson: Food safety is key to making sure you don’t get sick from E. coli. Make sure you constantly clean your cooking surfaces, wash your hands often and separate raw foods from vegetables and prepared foods. It is also important to use a meat thermometer when cooking to make sure you are not eating any raw meats.
How do I know if I need to see a doctor?
Dr. Sasson: If you have any blood in your stool, severe vomiting or abdominal pain, it is a good idea to go get checked out. If these symptoms last for a few days, you have trouble keeping fluids down or you are really dehydrated, you should see a doctor immediately.
If you feel sick and were at the Red Robin in Westminster in the last 10 days, you should see a doctor. It’s important to know that this can happen anywhere.
Can I die from E. coli?
Dr. Sasson: Not all strains of this bacteria can kill you. The strain that is life threatening is the E0157-H7 strain. The people who are most impacted by this strain of the bacteria are kids, older adults and those with weak immune systems.
Is it contagious?
Dr. Sasson: E. coli is not contagious. However, it can be passed on through contaminated surfaces like cooktops or even by hand-to-hand contact. You won’t necessarily get E. coli from someone in your family, but if you both eat at the same place and have the same exposure to the bacteria, then you both are at risk for getting sick.
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