E.coli (escherichia coli) 0157:H7 is a bacteria and is one of the leading causes of food poisoning. However, not all of the hundreds of strains are harmful - without a type of e.coli that is found in our intestines, we wouldn't be able to absorb vitamins.

It is otherwise found in the intestines of healthy animals such as goat, sheep, and cows. They are merely carriers and are not affected by the disease. Their waste, though, can contain the bacteria. Also, it can be in urban and agricultural storm water run-off. E.coli is not isolated to any one place, but has infected people all over the world.

24-48 hours after infection, symptoms will begin to appear. The symptoms of e.Coli are usually abdominal pain and severe cramps, bloody diarrhea, and possibly fever and vomiting. If you experience any of these, please immediately contact your doctor. Although only 2-7% of the population will contract it, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome(HUS) - kidney failure - can be fatal and usually affects younger children or older adults.

 Over a few years, e.Coli has contaminated undercooked beef, leafy greens, Odwalla juice, and unpasteurized milk (never drink it). This recent outbreak only affected spinach. A few months afterwards, e.Coli was found in green onions at Taco Bell and a different type of foodborne illness in Jamba Juice strawberries (ended on Dec. 1st).

E.Coli is transmitted through un-chlorinated water contaminated by animal/human feces, sewage contaminated water, direct contact with anyone who is infected, working with cattle, or drinking contaminated water or unpasteurized milk/juice. Do not go to school or work  if you are infected, as the infection is easily spread through the environment - if you sneeze, touch a doorknob which someone else touches, and they eat without washing their hands - presto! The spread of e.Coli.