infectious diseases
Infection by Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Other Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC)
Prevention
Improved meat processing procedures in the US have helped reduce the rate of meat contamination. Correct disposal of the stool of infected people, good hygiene, and careful hand washing with soap and running water limit spread of infection. Preventive measures that may be effective in the day care setting include grouping children known to be infected with STEC or requiring 2 negative stool cultures before allowing infected children to attend. Pasteurization of milk and thorough cooking of beef prevent food-borne transmission. Reporting outbreaks of bloody diarrhea to public health authorities is important because intervention can prevent additional infections. 